The flag-raising ceremony was led by the Mayor of Gandia, José Manuel Prieto, and the Councilor for Tourism, Balbina Sendra, along with the Councilor for Equality, Maribel Codina, representatives of the municipal corporation, LGTBI collectives, the tourism sector, and event organizers. This event consolidates the city as a benchmark for inclusive tourism.
After raising the five flags —four LGTBI and one from the Spanish Network of Destinations for Diversity—, the authorities officially launched a program that will extend over the coming days with cultural, advocacy, and festive activities.
Mayor José Manuel Prieto described the event as "an honor, a pride, and a pleasure" and highlighted Gandia's membership in the Spanish Network of Destinations for Diversity, emphasizing the values of respect, tolerance, and inclusion promoted by this network. Prieto defended the use of public space as a place for coexistence and visibility of values, stating that the city "is proud, diverse, and respectful of all ways of being and loving." He was emphatic in affirming that "messages of hate or intolerance have no place in Gandia."
The mayor also condemned the recent homophobic attack on one of the flags installed on the beach, asserting that such acts "do not represent the city" and advocating for Gandia to continue being "a benchmark in rights, freedoms, and social progress." He highlighted the municipality's tourism projection as a consolidated LGTBI destination, emphasizing the collaborative work between the administration, collectives, and the tourism sector to strengthen the city's external image.
For her part, Balbina Sendra noted the evolution of Gandia Pride since its revival three years ago, emphasizing that the event "is increasingly attracting more people, more allies, and greater social and tourist strength." She focused on the collaboration between public administration, LGTBI collectives, the tourism sector, and organizers, stating that this joint effort has allowed for the consolidation of a program that grows year after year. The councilor asserted that Gandia is an "open, welcoming city with no room for hate," and assured that the municipality will not take "a single step back" in rights and equality.
The director of JN Project, Nano García, defended the inclusive nature of the event, stressing that diversity "does not distinguish between one and another, but affects all of society." García highlighted the growth of Gandia Pride since its inception, pointing out the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors, as well as the involvement of collectives, businesses, the tourism sector, and security forces. He also valued the event's family-friendly and international character.
The also director of JN Project, Juan Martín Boll, thanked the institutional support and highlighted the importance of the Spanish Network of Destinations for Diversity. Boll underscored that joint work between administrations and the tourism sector is key to consolidating Gandia as a benchmark for LGTBI tourism, noting that the municipality already holds a prominent position in the national landscape. The organizer further emphasized the positive impact of Pride on the city's external projection.
