Cologne is home to one of the oldest and most vital gay communities in Germany. The city is famous for its open-minded, friendly and fun joie de vivre, and its many gay bars, clubs, and cafes are a vital part of Cologne's nightlife scene.
The highlight on Cologne's party calendar is its annual celebration of the Gay Pride aka Christopher Street Day, which attracts around 1 million revelers and is one of the largest gay and lesbian events in all of Europe. The festivities take place this weekend, July 6-8, 2012, and include a colorful parade with more than 120 floats parading through the center of Cologne. Parties, open-air concerts, panel discussions, and a street festival make the weekend complete. For a great overview of Cologne's Gay Pride 2012, check out the official website here.
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