Large Gathering: 260,000 individuals partake in vibrant CSD demonstration in Hamburg
Hamburg's 2025 Christopher Street Day (CSD) Breaks Attendance Records
The city of Hamburg witnessed a historic moment this year as the Christopher Street Day (CSD) demonstration broke records with an estimated attendance of over 260,000 people. According to Manuel Opitz, spokesperson for the Hamburg Pride association, and a police spokesperson, this was the largest CSD demonstration in Hamburg's 45-year history.
The event, held on a demonstration, was a vibrant and political display of support for the rights and protection of queer people. The surrounding area was filled with color, loud music, and over 60 trucks from various associations, parties, companies, and church communities, all participating in the parade.
The theme for this year's CSD was "We are here to stay. Protect queer people," which underscores the ongoing necessity to safeguard LGBTQ+ individuals amid rising homophobic incidents and political challenges faced by queer communities. This slogan highlights a firm stance on queer resilience, acceptance, and the call for protection against discrimination or violence.
The CSD in Hamburg has been taking place annually, and this year it was called "Pride Week." The event was organized by Deutsche Presse-Agentur (dpa) and saw approximately 120 groups registered for the 4.3-kilometer route of the CSD demo. Hamburg's mayor, Peter Tschentscher (SPD), and various city politicians participated in the demonstration, further emphasizing the city's commitment to queer rights and visibility.
This monumental turnout emphasizes Hamburg's important role in advocating for queer rights and fostering community solidarity. The event reflects the legacy of the Stonewall Riots of 1969, a pivotal moment that sparked the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement worldwide. Hamburg's demonstration continues this historic tradition by celebrating queer identity and demanding societal and legal protections to ensure LGBTQ+ people can live openly and safely.
During the Pride Week, the city's vibrant atmosphere resonated on social-media platforms, documenting the historical 260,000 attendees at Hamburg's CSD. In a moving display, dozens of trucks played entertaining music through their speakers, promoting a lifestyle inclusive of everyone, echoing the theme, "We are here to stay. Protect queer people."