This year’s Oslo Pride has set new records, with between 90,000 and 100,000 participants marching through the city streets on Saturday. According to police estimates, this surpasses last year’s figures of around 70,000 participants and the approximately 90,000 who joined in 2023, the year after the terrorist attack that targeted the LGBTQ+ community.
The parade began slightly behind schedule at 12:15 p.m., moving from Grønlandsleiret to Pride Park on Kontraskjæret. A total of 159 sections were registered for the event, marking an all-time high for Oslo Pride.
Norwegian leaders underscore importance of Pride
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre (L) joined the front of the parade alongside the leader of Oslo Pride and Oslo’s Mayor Anne Lindboe, emphasizing that Pride is fundamentally a celebration of freedom. “Freedom is not a given. Progress is not lasting. You have to stand up and fight for it. We have experienced this in the most brutal way,” Støre said, referring to the 2022 terrorist attack.
He added that in a global context where Pride events face bans even in parts of Europe, Norway “circles around Pride” to protect these freedoms. The Prime Minister also highlighted current debates in Norway, calling it “quite unreal” that political decisions could still challenge displays of the Pride flag in schools. “The Pride flag is a flag of freedom,” he stated.
The record turnout at Oslo Pride 2025 sends a strong message of resilience and solidarity, not only within Norway but also to other countries where LGBTQ+ rights are increasingly under pressure. This year’s celebration underscores the continued relevance of Pride as both a joyful demonstration and a vital political statement.
