Joe ... that´s one thing I had to try and do once .. crossing Gran Vía during the parade . Apart from the sheer volume of people , I had to dodge drag queens , lesbian drummers , half naked guys ... It was a real obstacle course but I managed it eventually ! Jejejeje . If you´ve not been before , I´d suggest staying the Retiro Park side of the parade so at least you have a wide open space to dive into if it gets too much . I always go to Banco de España for my photos but , man , it´s hectic !

I'm hetero, but I go every year, I think it's a tourist attraction.What do you think of...?

Yeah Steve , I eventually gave up and just wandered up Tribunal to get something to eat .

It is a tourist attraction , Jazz .. no doubt about it .. But it also tries to educate people about my community .... We pay our taxes like everyone else , but still face prejudice from the Government and the Churches . This Mardi Gras is a celebration of gay life but also an opportunity to advertise our wish for equality in everyday life .

When I lived in Madrid, Me and several buddies had mapped out 8 or 10 Irish Pubs and had traveled downtown from Majadahonda where we lived via Taxi. The Taxi let us out right smack in the middle of the Gay Pride parade. Now, we are all Heterosexual males and had never seen anything like this before (or so many men wearing and carrying Rainbow shirts and flags) and it was a night long topic of discussion while we "pub hopped". Great memories of living in Madrid.

MedicalMan , I can imagine exactly what those bars were . Absolutely central to the parade is The James Joyce .. my favourite Irish bar in Madrid . The manager , Matthew , is great .. a true Irishman . The Irish love to swear .. and he´s no exception ... I think he´s a great guy ! I´m surprised you even managed to get a taxi into the centre !

Steve....I don't remember how we got past some of the barriers. My wife and kids were back in the states visiting family and I was able to go out with the Single Guys for a "Night on the town". I don't think I got back home until around 6AM the next morning. Had a Blast, but I'm glad I don't do that too often...lol.

Steve, Matt has a good sense of humor. He greets me like I'm his best customer. I enjoy going to James Joyce when I'm in Madrid.

The organizers in Madrid Gay Pride Parade becomes the parade of shame. " have canceled the invitation sent from Israel to homosexuals.

Why do that?! outrageous!

Gay pride will still be a great occasion , Jazz . However i 100% agree with you that the organisers of "orgullo" are wrong to stop the Israeils joining the march . Politics have a big place in gay pride but only politics specific to gay rights . COGAM need to understand that and be more adult in their approach . Israeli gays will be welcome in Madrid despite pueril officials !