San Antonio proudly hosted its second annual Pride River Parade on June 10, 2023, with impressive floating spectacles that showcased River City’s rainbow of representation. The Pride River Parade started at the Downtown Reach of the San Antonio River Walk and snaked along the River Walk Museum Reach.
Festivities proceeded the parade included programming throughout the afternoon at La Villita’s Arneson River Theatre on an outdoor stage with acts such as Shonnie Murrell & Funk Potion #9 and Live Oak Singers, among the entertainment. The event was sponsored by Bud Light, a beer company that has recently received backlash for its support of the LGBTQ+ community in the United States.
Marc Anderson, president and CEO of Visit San Antonio announced the beginning of this special flatboat parade on the microphone to spotlight American Idol and Wow Presents’ Queen of the Universe contestant Ada Vox who sang live as the grand marshal.
Regional representation on the floating canal boats ran the gamut from drag-friendly restaurants to important health service centers.
An organization providing resources for those who are HIV positive named Operation BRAVE (an acronym for Bexar County response and victory in ending the epidemic) waved massive rainbow hearts in the air to raise awareness.
Landshark Bar & Grill known for their strong margaritas and tasty seafood dove into the occasion along with Box St. All Day, a brunch spot found in the heart of Alamo City.
Hotel Emma from the historic Pearl district showed alliance and Latin Vibez Dance and Fitness Studio shook a tail feather with a live Zumba class.
A recurring theme to the Pride River Parade was a wave of celebrity lookalikes showing performers with loyal LGBTQ+ followings.
Britney Spears’ costumes from over the years were shown on one active float and other impersonators including Elton John and Lady Gaga dappled the river. Busty Barge and Sea Life entertained by coasting by on a barge full of bright purple, Prince-inspired representation.
The crowds in the stands went wild over beads, t-shirts, and snacks that were passed around over the course of the festive occasion.
The only payment required for the all-day party was support and love for this diverse segment of the population.
