Zurich hosts EuroPride 09
A five-week long European celebration of gay rights began in Zurich on Saturday.
The EuroPride 09 events mark the 40th anniversary of the beginning of the gay rights movement in 1969 in New York.
Zurich is host to around 200 cultural, political, sporting and festive events. A closing parade and festival in the old town on June 6 is expected to attract around 50,000 people from around Europe.
Celebrations began with a concert and party featuring Swiss singer Michael von der Heide and an opening address by Zurich Mayor Corine Mauch, who is openly gay.
A sporting weekend will be held on 31 May and 1 June with athletes taking part in swimming, running, badminton, football and volleyball competitions.
The Zurich Museum of Fine Arts, the Swiss National Museum and Zurich Opera House are partners in the programme.
swissinfo with agencies
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