Dozens of streets will be closed to traffic in Madrid this Saturday: there is a demonstration that will bring together thousands of people.

Madrid is preparing for a Saturday of significant traffic restrictions. The epicenter of the capital will be affected by road closures and detours due to one of the largest events of the year: the 2025 Pride Parade. Thousands of people are expected to attend this event, which commemorates the 20th anniversary of same-sex marriage in Spain and will run through the heart of the city.

Madrid will be dressed in celebration and protest this Saturday, July 5th . Starting at 7:00 PM, the massive LGBTI+ Pride march will fill the streets, bringing together thousands of participants and spectators. This event, recognized as one of the most important of its kind in Europe, celebrates a crucial anniversary this year: the twentieth anniversary of the approval of same-sex marriage in Spain. Under the slogan "20 years advancing rights: Not one step back," the march stands as a forceful response to the growing wave of hate speech and legislative setbacks that threaten the rights of the LGBTI+ community globally.

The demonstration, organized by the State Federation of LGBT+ People (FELGTBI+) and COGAM , will begin at the Glorieta de Carlos V , right in front of Atocha station. From there, the vibrant floats and thousands of attendees will advance along Paseo del Prado , passing iconic places such as Plaza de Cánovas del Castillo and Plaza de Cibeles, before continuing along Paseo de Recoletos until culminating in Plaza de Colón .

The last of the floats is expected to reach Colón around midnight, a time that could vary depending on the number of participants and the pace of the parade. Once in Plaza de Colón, the organizing organizations will read a manifesto detailing this year's main demands, highlighting the need for full implementation of the LGBTI+ and Trans Law, the creation of an Independent Authority for Equal Treatment, and a State Pact against hate speech.

Given the magnitude of this event, Madrid City Council has announced a major traffic operation affecting numerous city streets. Beginning at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday and continuing until approximately midnight , closures and restrictions are expected on Paseo del Prado, Plaza de Cibeles, Paseo de Recoletos, and Plaza de Colón . Gran Vía may also experience disruptions or diversions depending on traffic and the cleanup work that will continue well into the early hours of Sunday, July 6 .

In the specific case of Paseo del Prado , the closures could extend until 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, due to the traditional Sunday traffic restrictions. In addition, preparations for the parade will cause incidents in Plaza de Colón and the section of Goya Street between the plaza and Serrano Street from 5:00 p.m. on Friday, July 4, until 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 6 .

The Méndez Álvaro and Glorieta de Carlos V areas will also experience traffic closures from 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 5, until approximately 11:00 p.m. on the same day . It is important to note that, depending on operational needs, the police may decide to extend the closures to adjacent streets . The schedules are approximate and may vary depending on the event.

Given this situation, municipal authorities recommend using public transportation to get around the city and avoiding private vehicles in the areas affected by the restrictions. The Madrid Metro network will undoubtedly be the most efficient option for getting around the capital this Saturday and enjoying the celebrations without incident.