Pride Reykjavik chairpersons express regret over safety concerns during parade incident

Bragi Valdimarsson, the chairperson of Pride Reykjavik, expressed regret that attendees experienced fear and insecurity during the Pride parade yesterday. The event began at Hallgrímskirkja, proceeding along Skólavörðustígur and Bankastræti before heading towards Lækjargata and Hljómskálagarður. An incident occurred when one of the floats hit a set of metal rails marking the designated route, causing a stone pillar to topple.

Helga Haraldsdóttir, also a chairperson of the event, noted that this was the first time such an incident has happened in the four years of taking this path. In light of the event, she mentioned that organizers would hold a debriefing to consider whether changes to the route are necessary to prevent any future occurrences.

Several individuals were close to the barrier when the float collided with it. Helga acknowledged the understandable fear of those present and reaffirmed that safety is a top priority for the parade’s organizers. She emphasized that measures would be taken to ensure that such incidents do not happen again in future celebrations.

“We are extremely saddened that someone at the Pride parade experienced insecurity or fear. Such events should focus on human rights advocacy, visibility, joy, and celebration, and this remains our top priority,” Helga said, reinforcing the commitment to a safe and festive environment for all participants.