Kathmandu— Tens of thousands of people marched through the streets of Prague on Saturday to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride, marking the start of a week-long festival centered on the theme "Times are changing." The procession, which moved from Wenceslas Square to Štvanice island, included a minute of silence to honor those killed and injured in a recent van ramming attack during Berlin's Christopher Street Day parade.

Tribute to Victims of Berlin Attack

At the commencement of the parade, participants observed a minute of silence to commemorate the victims of a violent incident in Berlin. Two weeks prior, a van ramming near the Christopher Street Day (CSD) parade in Germany resulted in one fatality and left approximately 31 people injured.

This moment of reflection set a somber tone for the beginning of the festivities, connecting the local celebrations to broader European concerns regarding safety and hate crimes.

Security and Safety Measures

Due to the scale of the event and the recent violence in Berlin, authorities implemented enhanced security protocols throughout the march. Hundreds of police officers and a specialized de-escalation team were deployed to manage the crowds and ensure public safety.

To further mitigate risks, organizers instructed participants to carry banners by hand or to use plastic poles instead of wooden ones. While a group of counter-demonstrators gathered along parts of the march's route, police reported that no major incidents occurred during the event.

Advocacy and Celebration

The march began at Wenceslas Square around noon and concluded at Štvanice island in the Vltava River by mid-afternoon. Following the arrival at the terminus, a musical program was held as part of the ongoing celebrations.

"As every year, the aim of the festival is to raise awareness of LGBT+ issues, to show how this community lives in the Czech Republic and that it is still waiting for equal rights," Kamila Frohlichova, the director of Prague Pride, said. The festival is scheduled to continue for the remainder of the week.

The week-long festival will continue with various events following the conclusion of Saturday's parade.

(With inputs from DW)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.