Why does Montreal host pride events in August?

The 2019 edition of Montreal Pride runs from Aug. 8 to 18.

Why do our city's LGBTQ festivities take place so late in the summer - two months later than most other pride events happen around the world.

The answer has a lot to do with Montreal's busy summer festival schedule, said Montreal Pride vice-president Jean-Sébastien Boudreault.

When Montreal Pride took over organizing the events in 2007, the only spot available was in mid-August, he said.

"At the beginning, we were not so happy about it," Boudreault said. 

But quickly, the organizers came around.

"The more we advertised it and the more we created a major event in August, [the more] we thought it was great because we were not in competition with any of the other major prides in North America," Boudreault said.

He said the weather is nicer in August than it is in June, and the later date also means Montreal Pride festivities don't overlap with as many big events in the city, like the Mural Festival or Formula 1.

'A little for everybody'

Last year's pride events expanded in size and scope, as they coincided with the city's 375th anniversary and Canada 150 celebrations.

Montreal Pride also hosted Canada Pride in 2017, a special event that aims to serve as a "nationwide celebration of Canada's LGBT movement." The next edition of the 10-day festival will be hosted in Winnipeg in 2020.

"We thought, because of … Canada Pride, that this year would be smaller — but it's the opposite," Boudreault said.

An estimated 9,000 people were expected to walk in Montreal's 19th annual Pride Parade in 2018, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard and Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante.

In total, more than 150 pride events are planned in Montreal, Boudreault said.

"We have a little for everybody."

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