On Saturday 28 June, the streets of Altea – specifically its Old Town – will once again come alive with colour as a new edition of diversAltea takes place: the LGTBIQ+ Pride celebration where diversity and inclusion take centre stage. The event was announced by councillor for Social Welfare and Equality, Anna Lanuza, and area technician Braulio Cencerrado. As Lanuza reminded the public, 28 June is recognised globally as Pride Day, marked by parades, protests and events aimed at promoting equality, inclusion and acceptance of sexual and gender diversity. “For this reason,” the councillor explained, “from the Department of Social Welfare and Equality, we’ve prepared a programme that is not only festive but, above all, a form of protest.” She went on to say: “We firmly believe that 28 June must be empowered. As long as there are still people questioning why there isn’t a Heterosexual Day, it means we need to take to the streets on 28 June to demand equal rights for all, regardless of each person’s gender identity.” Lanuza referred to the many forms of violence still suffered by people because of their sexuality, including bullying among teenagers, job loss, imprisonment and even death sentences. “As long as this continues, it’s essential that we continue to mark both 28 June and 17 May, the International Day Against LGTBI-phobia.” A full programme has been scheduled for Saturday 28 June in Altea, starting around 8:30 pm with a parade from Palau Altea to the Plaza de la Iglesia, accompanied by the Batucada Sonats and a lively street performance. Following the parade, the Plaza de la Iglesia will host DJ sets, the reading of a manifesto demanding equal rights and calling for respect and equality for everyone, along with many other surprises. Braulio Cencerrado shared more details of the acts taking place from 9:00 pm onwards in the Plaza de la Iglesia, featuring three DJs – Soberbia Malibú, Euphoria, and La Predroese – plus Pink Red Clown, all presented by master of ceremonies Jean Cocó. “This festive and playful character that the event might seem to have is actually grounded in very fundamental principles: inclusion, tolerance, respect, and above all, visibility for diversity – which is one of the greatest riches of our society,” Cencerrado stressed. Finally, both Anna Lanuza and Braulio Cencerrado invited everyone in the community to join in the celebration, describing it as a protest celebration for all – open to the entire public and for all ages. Following the success of the first street edition of diversAltea – after two previous editions were held at the Social Centre – the Department of Social Welfare and Equality has put together this vibrant new Pride party with great care and enthusiasm, in support of the LGTBIQ+ community. This year, the local collective is also supported by a new association taking root in Altea, Altea Entiende, which is also collaborating in this year’s Pride celebration on Saturday 28 June. Stay tuned with Euro Weekly News for the latest news about Europe and Costa Blanca.