Safety and Security at the Festival
A truly relaxed and joyful festival atmosphere can only exist if everyone feels safe and at ease. That’s why ensuring all events run smoothly is absolutely essential for us.
We were all shocked and deeply saddened by the deadly attack carried out by a radicalised perpetrator against Pride participants in Berlin. We immediately entered further discussions with the police and agreed on additional reinforced security measures. The Czech Police and the Prague Municipal Police take both the safety and the sense of security of everyone attending the Prague Pride Festival very seriously. The security services will do everything possible to ensure that the entire festival week, and especially Saturday’s parade, takes place in a relaxed atmosphere and under excellent supervision—without making you feel as though you’re in the middle of a large-scale police operation. Trust us: the watchful eyes of those keeping everyone safe are there, even when you don’t see them.
Safety planning begins long before the festival itself. We work closely with the police, a security agency, and other institutions (such as the regional public health office). Together, they help us ensure not only a peaceful Pride Parade on Saturday, but also a welcoming and safe environment at each festival venue and throughout the streets of Prague. If you see people in police or security uniforms at any festival event, there’s no need to worry—they’re there for your safety too. Treat them in a friendly and relaxed way, and allow them to do their job by respecting their instructions.
In light of the tragic attack at Pride in Berlin, we have introduced a set of additional safety recommendations specifically for Saturday’s parade. Please take a moment to read them carefully and help us by following them:
- Please carry your sign by hand this year. If you really need to hold it above your head, use a reusable rigid plastic pole. Do not use wooden poles.
- The organising team reserves the right to remove anyone from the event who fails to comply with the festival’s safety rules.
- Stay together, look out for one another, and take care of each other. We march for ourselves and for all LGBTQ+ people.
- Towards the end of the route, the parade will pass through the tram tunnel at Těšnov. The tunnel itself is approximately 30 metres long, followed by about 160 metres beneath the road surface. If you are not comfortable walking through this section, you can take an alternative route: continue along the riverside pavement beside the Vltava River directly to Hlávkův Bridge, then use the stairs next to the Fuchs2 building to reach the island. If you choose this alternative route, which does not go through the tunnel, do not attempt to cross the main road to rejoin the parade. The highway will remain partially open to traffic, and crossing it would be extremely dangerous.
- This year’s route is twice as long as in previous years. Stay hydrated, protect yourself from overheating, and don’t push yourself beyond your limits.
How to Prevent Unpleasant Experiences
To make sure everyone has a great time, the first step is treating each other with kindness and respect. Transparent communication and setting boundaries are among our core values—they help us co-create a safer festival environment. As organizers, we can set community guidelines, but only by respecting them together can we ensure everyone feels comfortable. Please follow them at all official festival venues and event spaces.
- Respect others, including their sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. Don’t hesitate to ask if you’re unsure about something.
- Do not insult others based on their appearance or body.
- Avoid stereotypes and give others space to speak freely about their religion, sexuality, and gender. If a topic makes you uncomfortable, it’s okay to excuse yourself and leave.
- Avoid transphobia, homophobia, biphobia, intersexphobia—as well as sexism, misogyny, xenophobia, and racism.
- “No” means “no.” Always respect it. If someone lets you know your behavior or words are uncomfortable for them, take it seriously. This especially applies to unwanted touching, comments, or propositions. Sexual harassment is not tolerated.
- Only take photos or videos with explicit consent. The same applies to sharing or publishing them. Don’t be afraid to ask—and don’t be afraid to say no.
- Sex, health, and other personal topics are not taboo, but remember that festival attendees are diverse, and not everyone wants to discuss them. At the same time, don’t be surprised if these topics come up—they matter and there’s no need to fear them. Set your own boundaries and expectations for the events you attend. It’s okay to leave spaces where you don’t feel comfortable.
- Try to de-escalate conflicts by focusing empathetically on resolving the situation together.
- If you have a problem with another visitor, please inform the organizing team. You can recognize them by their official lanyards.
There are also a few key rules where violations may have consequences. In serious cases, this can include being asked to leave the festival area—without a refund if the venue required paid admission:
- Do not bring weapons, pyrotechnics, glass bottles, alcohol, or drugs.
- Do not disrupt the event—this includes inappropriate interference with performances, workshops, discussions, and similar activities.
- Hate has no place here. This includes not only hate speech but also actions like tearing down rainbow flags.
- Public sex does not belong in festival spaces.
- Arrive with a clear head and keep your consumption under control—do not attend under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
We co-create the festival atmosphere together, and we truly appreciate your help in making this a respectful and welcoming space.
Preventive Measures for Your Comfort
You can recharge your mental well-being at Pride HideOUT powered by Sephora in Pride Village and Pride Park. It’s a calm, quiet space with cozy cushions where you can step away from the crowd, use earplugs, close your eyes, ease an oncoming panic attack, or talk to a crisis support professional.
Free Durex condoms will be available at Pride Village and Pride Park. Remember: consent is just as essential as a condom.
Free and anonymous testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections will be available in Pride Village and on Saturday in Pride Park.
Entry to the Pride Park Area
This year, for the first time in many years, Pride Park will not take place at Letná. After the parade, the Saturday program will be held on Štvanice Island, which offers a different kind of experience—shade from mature trees, refreshing proximity to the river, a strong sense of connection, and the unique intimacy of an island in the middle of the city. It’s a space where we can disconnect a little from the heteronormative world outside.
Štvanice is accessible from several directions:
- Take a tram to Hlávkův bridge and walk down the stairs to the island.
- Walk from Vltavská or Florenc metro stations (about 10–15 minutes).
- Use the new HolKa footbridge, accessible from Holešovice (near the Market Hall) or Karlín (from Rohanské nábřeží).
Entry to Pride Park 2026 is voluntary. We’ve chosen this model to keep the festival as accessible as possible while facing rising costs and reduced sponsor support. Every contribution helps. The recommended amount is CZK 200. While contributions are collected at the entrance to Pride Park, they support the entire festival—not just the Saturday program.
You are not allowed to bring weapons or glass into Pride Park. You may bring water, food, or an umbrella in your backpack. Dogs are allowed, but due to noise and heat, we do not recommend bringing them—your four-legged companion will likely be more comfortable elsewhere.
What to Do If a Problem Arises
If a situation escalates into a conflict that threatens you or others, contact the police immediately by calling 158. The police have strategies and systems in place to assist you as quickly and effectively as possible. This applies both at festival venues and outside the festival (for example, when heading home at night).
If police officers are nearby, approach them directly. In a crisis, call out “Pomoc!” (Help!) or “Hoří!” (Fire!). At official festival locations, you can also notify the organizing team—they wear Prague Pride Festival lanyards and can quickly contact the police.
For non-urgent issues, turn to the organizing team. They are present at festival events and can also be found at the Prague Pride info booth in Pride Village and Pride Park on Štvanice.
Do not let anyone provoke you, even if they shout abuse at you. Our response is to remain calm, peaceful, and dignified.
Don’t Stay Silent About Hate Crime
We hope it won’t happen, but there is a possibility that you may encounter hate-motivated violence targeting LGBT+ people during the festival. This can include physical assault, verbal abuse, discrimination, online harassment, and more. Even serious verbal attacks can be criminal offenses. It’s important not to stay silent—reporting helps ensure these incidents are recognized and not dismissed as something that “doesn’t happen here.”
You don’t have to go directly to the police. You can contact In IUSTITIA, an organization that tracks hate crime and provides support. They offer legal and social assistance and can accompany you to the police if you decide to report an incident.
During festival week, their helpline capacity is increased. You can reach them at:
+420 773 177 636 or 800 922 922
Email: poradna@in-ius.cz