Here’s a cool video:

São Paulo Pride 2024: Your Insider’s Guide to the World’s Biggest LGBTQ+ Celebration

If you think you have done Pride before, São Paulo will make you think again. This is not just a parade — it’s a full-on city takeover filled with love, colour, energy, and unapologetic joy. With millions in attendance, it’s officially one of the world’s biggest Pride events, and believe us, it feels like it.

We went not knowing what to expect. We had done the usual Pride circuits in Europe, but São Paulo? This was next-level. Think a full-on festival-meets-political-rally vibe, where glitter meets protest and where strangers become instant family.

Before You Go: Get the Lay of the Land

São Paulo’s Pride parade is centred around Avenida Paulista, and the day before the big event, it’s already buzzing. Our advice? Do a dry run. Walk the area, scout out water refill spots, nearby shops, and bathrooms (you’ll thank yourself later). The sun can be merciless, so finding a few shady nooks to retreat to is a smart move.

Pro Tip:

The parade kicks off around noon, but the best viewing spots? Claimed way earlier. Plan to arrive mid-morning, secure your space, and enjoy watching the transformation unfold.

What to Wear (and What Not to Bring)

This isn’t the time for high fashion with low function. You’ll be on your feet, in the sun, likely dancing for hours. So:

Think breathable : cotton or linen is your best friend.
Wear sturdy trainers or sandals (we saw too many busted flip-flops).
Ditch the clear plastic bags. Instead, we wore stylish crossbody bags — small, zipped, and hands-free for dancing, snapping pics, and waving flags.

And don’t forget:
Sunglasses with UV protection
Sunscreen, and lots of it

Beyond the Parade: The Real São Paulo Pride Vibe

The parade is just the heartbeat. The soul of São Paulo Pride lies in everything else happening around it. From intimate drag nights and rooftop parties to art exhibitions and queer cinema, the city becomes a celebration of LGBTQ+ identity in every form.

One of our favourite moments? A low-key pre-parade party in Consolação where we ended up chatting with locals, sipping caipirinhas, and dancing until sunrise. These are the unexpected memories that make São Paulo unforgettable.

Essential Tech Tips

Let’s be real — your phone is your Pride lifeline. From navigating the streets to finding friends, snapping TikToks, and translating Portuguese, you’ll need it charged and ready.

Bring a slim power bank — must-have.
Download offline maps and a translation app before you arrive.
Want reliable internet? Pick up a local SIM or pocket WiFi. Public WiFi is patchy at best.

Caipirinha Culture: Sip Like a Local

No trip to Brazil is complete without a caipirinha, and São Paulo Pride is the perfect time to indulge. This classic Brazilian cocktail is made with cachaça, lime, sugar, and ice, and it’s the unofficial drink of the weekend.

You’ll find them being mixed on nearly every corner — just be warned: they’re deceptively strong. We stuck to one (okay, maybe two) and alternated with water to stay sane in the heat.

Staying Safe Without Killing the Vibe

Despite the celebration, you still need to keep your wits about you. São Paulo is friendly, but Pride draws huge crowds, which makes it a target for pickpockets.

Keep valuables zipped and close to your body
Don’t flash expensive jewellery or your phone
Set a meeting point with friends before heading in — phone signals can get spotty

When leaving, walk a few blocks away from Avenida Paulista and use apps like Uber or 99 to call a ride — trying to catch one in the chaos near the parade is a rookie mistake.

Embrace the Local Love

One thing that stood out? The warmth. Brazilians are affectionate, open, and love to connect. Expect to be greeted with hugs, cheek kisses, and plenty of "meu amor" or "querido."

If that’s not your vibe, it’s totally okay to set boundaries. But leaning into the culture — even just picking up a few phrases — makes a world of difference.

Final Thoughts

São Paulo Pride is more than a party — it’s a cultural experience, a protest, and a love letter to queerness. From the explosive energy of the parade to the quieter, personal moments in between, it’s a celebration that will leave a mark long after your glitter fades.

Thinking of going next year? Drop us a message — we’d love to help you plan your Pride adventure in São Paulo. 💖

Planning a full LGBTQ+ Brazil itinerary? We’ve got tips coming soon for Rio, Florianópolis, and more — watch this space!