Pride week celebrations begin in Turku with equality, joy

The City of Turku will celebrate the Pride Week on 24–30 August with the theme “The joy of being queer,” said the city in a press release.

Mayor of Turku Piia Elo will raise the Pride flag at the Market Square on Monday morning to mark the start of the week, and the Library Bridge will be illuminated in rainbow colours throughout the week.

The theme highlights the importance of joy, visibility and community as part of equality work.

“Pride reminds us that equality is not just a value on paper, but everyday actions. Turku must be a city where everyone can feel welcome, safe and valued as themselves,” said Piia Elo.

Turku Pride Week features a wide range of cultural events around the city. The programme includes library events, workshops and guided museum tours exploring queer history.

The week culminates on Saturday in the Pride parade and park festival. The parade starts at 12.00 from the riverside, and the celebration continues in Kupittaa Park until 17.00.

Turku Main Library takes part in Pride Week with a diverse programme. During the week, the library will host lectures, a Rainbow Disco, a Rainbow Seniors seminar and the Nordisk litteratursalong – goes Pride! event, with Rita Paqvalén as the guest author.

In workshops aimed at young people, participants can make their own pins, signs or stickers. The Rainbow Flea Market also offers an opportunity to sell items such as your own art, clothes or other things you no longer need.

At the Pride fabric printing workshop on Wednesday from 17.00 to 20.00 at the Vimma Art and Activity Centre for Youth, participants can decorate and customise their own clothes in the spirit of Pride Week.

Brush-on fabric paints in rainbow colours and screen-printing frames will be available.

The paints are best suited for light-coloured fabrics containing natural fibres, such as cotton or linen. Participants can also buy a fabric bag at the workshop for 2–2.50€. The workshop is free of charge and intended for people over the age of 13.