A History of Pride and the Provincetown Parade
The Origins of Pride
The LGBTQ+ Pride movement traces its roots to the early morning hours of June 28, 1969, in New York City, when a police raid at the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in Greenwich Village, sparked spontaneous demonstrations. This uprising—led by trans women of color like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera—marked a turning point in LGBTQ+ activism. The following year, on the anniversary of the uprising, the first Pride marches took place in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, setting the stage for the annual tradition of Pride celebrations around the world.
Provincetown: A Historic LGBTQ+ Haven
Long before it hosted an official Pride parade, Provincetown had been a sanctuary for LGBTQ+ individuals. As early as the 1920s, the remote Cape Cod town was attracting artists, writers, and queer individuals drawn by its tolerance and beauty. By the mid-to-late 20th century, it had become a recognized safe haven for LGBTQ+ people—one of the most queer-friendly destinations in the United States.
While other cities organized large Pride parades beginning in the 1970s and 1980s, Provincetown’s LGBTQ+ community celebrated Pride more quietly, embedded in the town’s very culture and events like Carnival Week (founded in 1978), which, while not an official Pride event, evolved into one of the most flamboyant and inclusive LGBTQ+ celebrations in the country.
The First Official Provincetown Pride
Despite its long LGBTQ+ history, Provincetown didn’t have an official Pride event until 2018. This was relatively late, considering the town’s identity and legacy. The decision to launch a formal Provincetown Pride was motivated by a desire to reclaim and reaffirm the town’s central role in LGBTQ+ culture, particularly in a political era that saw renewed attacks on LGBTQ+ rights.
The first Provincetown Pride weekend took place in June 2018, featuring a Pride rally, community events, art shows, and a flag-raising ceremony at Town Hall. The celebration emphasized the intersection of history, activism, and visibility—reimagining Pride not just as a party, but as a platform for empowerment and reflection. The event was organized by the Provincetown Business Guild, which had already played a major role in other LGBTQ+ tourism and community efforts.
The Parade Element
Unlike some major cities, Provincetown’s Pride celebrations have not centered around a traditional parade. Instead, they have leaned into the town’s unique geography and community-oriented vibe. Pride in Provincetown is a town-wide celebration, with marches, rallies, and visibility walks, alongside more intimate gatherings, artistic showcases, and educational panels.
Rather than replicate the mega-parades of cities like NYC or San Francisco, Provincetown’s Pride chooses to reflect the character of the town: inclusive, grassroots, arts-focused, and activist-minded.
Today
Provincetown Pride has grown steadily since its inception. Each year, it honors LGBTQ+ pioneers, addresses contemporary issues like trans rights and intersectionality, and welcomes people from around the globe. The event now features the “Pride Sashay,” where participants walk through the town in celebration, waving rainbow flags and wearing vibrant attire. The “Queer Comedy Showcase,” youth-focused events, and wellness sessions are just a few examples of how the event blends celebration with purpose.
Provincetown remains, as it has for a century, not just a destination for LGBTQ+ people, but a symbol of what queer liberation, resilience, and joy can look like.
Written by Tracy Pease