Rural Pride in Spain: four events to celebrate LGBTQI+ diversity in towns and villages
Spain is widely recognised as a global pioneer in the acceptance of LGBTQI+ rights. In addition to big pride events, such as the massive Madrid Pride (MADO), Spain.info invites you to discover four magnificent festivals in rural settings. They are fun and friendly initiatives, set in incredible towns and villages.
-
Agrocuir da Ulloa Festival (Lugo, Galicia)
In the region of A Ulloa, Galicia, LGBTQI+ pride is celebrated every August at the Agrocuir Festival with the aim of advocating sexual and gender diversity in rural areas. The festive atmosphere is blended with the promotion of life in the countryside, sustainability and local culture through many activities such as theatre, music, dance, sport and cinema.- Why it’s special: it campaigns against depopulation in inland Galicia, at the same time it promotes the area’s fine gastronomy and local products. Ideal for those looking to disconnect from routine in a natural, intellectual and lively environment.- Recommendations: visit the nearby city of Lugo, go hiking in the Terras do Miño Biosphere Reserve or explore the riverside forests and its Celtic heritage.- How to get there: by high-speed train to Ourense or A Coruña. The region of A Ulloa is about 40-50 minutes by car from Lugo and an hour and a quarter from Santiago de Compostela (airport with international connections).- Bonus: a perfect option for accommodation are the rural houses or pazos (typical Galician manor houses), which are very common in the area.
-
AgrOrgullo in Barcenillas (Cantabria)
As LGBTQI+ Pride Day approaches, which is commemorated every 28 June around the world, the small Cantabrian town of Barcenillas transforms itself to celebrate AgrOrgullo. The population increases tenfold and features a unique parade of rainbow-coloured tractors through the streets. Their motto is to combat "sexilio", (meaning ‘sex-exile’, or the migration of LGBTQI+ individuals to the cities due to lack of acceptance in the smaller towns and villages).- Why it’s special: it is set in a valley of great scenic beauty and traditional architecture featuring mountain houses.- Recommendations: you can take a route to the Lamiña Waterfalls, visit the beautiful town of Santillana del Mar and, very close by, the Altamira Caves. To recharge your batteries you can sample the traditional mountain stew, cocido montañés.- How to get there: From Santander (airport with European flights) there are daily train and bus connections, with connections in Torrelavega or Cabezón de la Sal.- Bonus: it is a good opportunity to do agrotourism in the area and stay in beautiful rural flats in nearby towns such as Lamiña or Sopeña, with views of the Cabuérniga valley.
-
BolloVera Festival in Losar de la Vera (Cáceres)
Every June, the BolloVera Festival in Losar de la Vera, in the province of Cáceres, promotes an intergenerational event, as the activities are open to children and elderly people. The pride festival culminates in a big parade to promote LGBTQI+ visibility in the smaller municipalities and has become a reference event in Extremadura.- Why it's special: you can discover the natural and cultural heritage of Extremadura in the surroundings of charming villages such as Cuacos de Yuste and Jarandilla de la Vera. It boasts an all-year-round microclimate due to its location between the Sierra de Gredos and the river Tiétar. Discover crystal-clear gorges and savour the exquisite local cuisine.- Recommendations: visit the Yuste Monastery or take the Pimentón de La Vera Paprika Route and taste its delicious Iberian ham. - How to get there: Losar de la Vera is just over an hour's drive from Plasencia and 40 minutes from Navalmoral de la Mata, which can be reached by train or bus.- Bonus: enjoy luxury in the heart of nature if you decide to stay in places with special charm such as those found throughout the region of La Vera.
-
Orgullo Rural de la Sierra (Lozoyuela-Navas-Sieteiglesas, Madrid)
In the Sierra Norte region of Madrid, in the month of May, you can attend the Orgullo Rural de la Sierra (Rural Pride of the Mountain Range). It features a programme of activities ranging from talks, exhibitions, music and cinema to hiking trails, with the participation of local associations and artists committed to diversity.- Why it's special: it's a perfect area for sports such as rock climbing and hiking. Nearby is also the El Atazar reservoir, where you can windsurf and paddle surf and even hire small boats and sail its waters.- Recommendations: a bike ride through the Lozoya Valley and the Pinilla and El Atazar reservoirs is a must. You can rent bikes on the spot.- How to get there: from Madrid you can get there by bus line 191 every hour. By road, follow the A-1 until kilometre 66.- Bonus: stay in one of the relaxing cottages dotted around the area, many with swimming pools and stunning views.
In addition to these festivals, there are many other LGBTQI+ initiatives in rural surroundings. Some examples are the Romería Bellota Queer pilgrimage festival in Cabezuela del Valle (Cáceres), the Rural Pride project (Badajoz), the LGBTQI+ Pride in Vall d'Albaida (Valencia) or the Rural Pride Day in Encinacorba(Zaragoza).Discover other options on www.spain.info, Spain's official tourism portal.
Book yours
Choose between thousands of activities to live your best life on holiday.
