Berlin, Germany - July 19, 2025 Tens of thousands of revelers filled the streets of Berlin's Schoeneberg district Saturday, July 19, 2025, for the 31st annual Lesbian and Gay City Festival, Europe's largest street event of its kind, as the city once again celebrated its status as a beacon of LGBTQ+ pride and visibility.Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner made a personal appearance at the event, visiting several booths representing political parties, international organizations, and LGBTQ+ initiatives. Addressing visitors, Wegner reaffirmed the city's commitment to diversity and inclusion: "Berlin is and remains a rainbow capital," he said. "Especially in these times, when we are seeing a rise in hate-fueled violence, including against the queer community in Berlin, this kind of visibility and solidarity is more important than ever." The two-day event, popularly known as the Motzstrassenfest due to its origins on Motzstrasse, a historic heart of Berlin's gay nightlife, sprawled across 20,000 square meters in the Nollendorfplatz neighborhood, drawing an estimated crowd of more than 350,000 attendees from around the world.Soundbite: Kai Wegner, Mayor of BerlinThe Lesbian and Gay City Festival is truly a Berlin institution. The atmosphere is fantastic, the mood is wonderful, and we're making it clear that queer Berlin belongs here, that Berlin is a rainbow capital, and that this is something we want to make visible. We come together here not only to engage with one another, but also, in part, to celebrate. And especially in these times, with the rise of right-wing extremism and increasing acts of hate and violence against the queer community, including here in Berlin, this visibility is particularly important. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the organizers and to everyone who is here today. (Video by Michael Kuenne/PRESSCOV/SIPA USA)