Behind the Scenes of EF Ultimate Break's First Pride Tour

EF Ultimate Break hosted its first-ever Pride tour in 2024, a journey that brought travelers to the heart of Madrid Pride, one of the world’s largest and most vibrant Pride celebrations. It was an exciting project, one we poured our hearts into to make sure it was everything our travelers could dream of and more. Here’s a look at how it all came together.

Where it all started

The idea for the Pride tour sparked during a conversation I had with Mike Galvin from EF Ultimate Break’s Service team. Mike, who also leads our DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) initiatives, was so enthusiastic about the idea of identity-based tours. We both agreed that creating a Pride-focused tour would be an amazing place to start. It wasn’t just about adding another festival tour to our portfolio—it was about creating something meaningful, something that celebrated individuality and connection.

Finding the perfect destination

From there, I dove into researching Pride celebrations around the world. Europe felt like the best place to start, and Spain stood out almost immediately. As one of the first countries to legalize same-sex marriage and adoption in 2005, Spain’s progressive stance on LGBTQ+ rights was inspiring. And its vibrant culture and inclusive spirit made it a natural fit.

I also reached out to LGBTQ+ community members who had celebrated Pride internationally to get their insights. Luckily, Yeray from our Operations team in Zurich—who has been to more Pride events than I can count—offered his expertise. He’d been to Madrid Pride before and couldn’t recommend it enough. The city has hosted EuroPride twice and welcomes nearly 2 million people for their annual Pride celebrations. With its world-renowned parade, incredible energy, and celebration of equality and freedom, Madrid felt like the perfect choice.

Crafting the experience

Once we landed in Madrid, the real fun began: building an itinerary that was equal parts celebration, culture, and connection. Here are a few highlights:

Chueca Neighborhood walking tour: We wanted travelers to fully experience Madrid’s historically gay neighborhood, with its vibrant shops, galleries, and restaurants

Specialized tour director and guides: We handpicked a Tour Director and local guides who were not only experts in Madrid Pride but also deeply connected to the LGBTQ+ community. Their personal stories and insights made the experience so much richer.

Immersive Pride activities: We made sure travelers had access to all the fun and unique Pride events happening in Madrid, like the high-heel race, Mr. Gay Pride competition, and of course, the famous parade.

Making it happen

When July 2024 rolled around, the first Pride tour officially kicked off. Mike and Yeray joined the group to support the travelers, and their passion and expertise were invaluable. Mike described the unmatched level of camaraderie perfectly:

“Everyone had something in common right from the start, which made it so easy to connect and have fun together.”

Mike and Yeray shared how quickly the group bonded. From sharing glitter and painting faces before the parade to swapping stories over churros in Chueca, there was an amazing sense of community. One of the local guides even pointed out his own apartment during the walking tour of Chueca—a moment that really made the group feel like part of the neighborhood.

The Parade: a moment to remember

For many travelers, it was their first Pride celebration, and the parade energy was absolutely electric. Seeing everyone’s excitement as they dressed up, glittered up, and headed out for the parade was such a joy. And the parade itself? Hours of pure celebration, love, and inclusivity.

Leaving a legacy

EF Ultimate Break’s first Pride tour wasn’t just a trip—it was a celebration of identity, community, and belonging. From brainstorming with Mike to stepping onto the streets of Madrid, every part of this journey was built with care and intention. It’s one of the projects I’m most proud of, and seeing the joy it brought to our travelers is incomparable.

As the tour wrapped up, I couldn’t help but reflect on how special it was. Pride is about connection—to yourself, to others, and to the community. And this tour? It was all of that and more.

Since then, we’ve expanded our Pride tour offerings! Travelers can now experience the magic of Pride in Bangkok and Berlin, each with its own unique flavor and celebration. Whether it’s the vibrant street parades of Berlin or the colorful festivities in Bangkok, we’re excited to continue creating unforgettable Pride experiences.