On Saturday, the Equality March made its way through the streets of Krakow. The event, organized by the LGBT community, was held under the honorary patronage of the city’s mayor, Aleksander Miszalski. Despite support from institutions such as the National Stary Theatre, turnout was underwhelming. “More police than activists,” summarized Tomasz Sakiewicz.
Kraków zablokowany przez demonstracje LGBT. Więcej policji niż aktywistów. Demonstracja pod patronatem prezydenta Miszalskiego PO i współorganizowana przez miejski teatr pic.twitter.com/w9tClJLC1O
— Tomasz Sakiewicz (@TomaszSakiewicz) May 17, 2025
A rainbow flag was hung on the facade of the National Stary Theatre in Krakow. The same symbol was displayed earlier in May in front of Radio Krakow, and Aleksander Miszalski, affiliated with the Civic Platform party (PO), gave his official support to the LGBT Equality March.
A Flop for the Equality March
Despite various promotional efforts, the event held on May 17 could arguably be described as a turnout failure.
“Krakow blocked by an LGBT demonstration. More police than activists. The event was under the patronage of Mayor Miszalski of the Civic Platform and co-organized by the city’s theatre,”
wrote Tomasz Sakiewicz, editor-in-chief of Gazeta Polska and president of TV Republika, on platform X.
The Equality March also drew significant attention on Krakow’s social media, but the comments tell a story of disapproval among residents.
“A disgrace and a shame for Krakow, the city of Polish kings,” one user remarked.
“Helicopters, police, municipal guards, etc.—all because some people with a different sexual orientation want to prove they are free and equal. And because one guy stabs another, traffic on the main avenues is halted. Why should I care?”
reads another comment.
#Krakow #MarszRówności na ulicach Krakowa! 🏳️🌈
— Kraków (@krakow_pl) May 17, 2025
Wolność, równość, tolerancja, szacunek i dobra zabawa.
📱 Aleksandra Bałda pic.twitter.com/IVZck91oYZ