LARGEST GAY PARADE IN THE WORLD

More than two million people took part in Brazil’s São Paulo Gay Pride Parade on Saturday – believed to be the largest in the world – breaking previous records.

This was the 10th Gay Pride parade to have taken place in the city; the massive event attracting hundreds of thousands of tourist from around the country and the globe.

With an official estimate of 1.8 million last year, the parade has seen a significant increase in participants in 2006 according to police.

Many marchers’ costumes saluted the Brazilian national soccer team, which is taking part in Soccer World Cup in Germany, while others dressed in outrageous Carnival style drag and movie character inspired outfits. Some simply chose to wear very little.

The revellers waved rainbow flags and kissed openly in public as they paraded down the skyscraper lined ‘Avenida Paulista’.

According to São Paulo Turismo the Gay Pride weekend brought approximately 400 thousand tourists to the city last year, generating over US$84 million in revenue.

Last year the city government invested US$ 175 000 in the event, pleading US$220 000 in 2006.