On June 27, the Ciutat de València Stadium will host the opening ceremony of the XII Gay Games Valencia 2026, the world’s largest inclusive sports and cultural event. The ceremony will feature performances by Mónica Naranjo, Soraya Arnelas, Suri, Fruela, and Choriza May, among other artists.
The organizers have confirmed more than 9,000 registered participants from 76 countries and a team of over 520 volunteers. The competition will run through July 4, featuring 39 sports disciplines spread across 46 venues in the city and its metropolitan area.
Tickets and program for the gala
Admission to the opening ceremony for the general public requires a ticket: ticket sales will open at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, April 28, via the event’s official website.
The opening ceremony will include a parade of international delegations, the entrance of the official flag, a tribute to the founder of the Gay Games, and the lighting of the flame. Choirs and cultural groups from around the world will also participate.
46 venues, including iconic locations
The sports program will take place at iconic venues throughout the city, including the Lluís Puig Velodrome, the Marina de València, the Turia Stadium, La Malvarrosa Beach, and the Trinquet de Pelai, where an exhibition of Valencian pilota will be held.
The most popular sports among registrants are swimming, tennis, track and field, soccer, and volleyball.
A first for Spain
Founded in 1982 and organized every four years by the Federation of Gay Games, the games are coming to Spain for the first time. Their model is guided by three principles: open participation for anyone of legal age without qualifying trials; inclusion without discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or athletic ability; and personal growth as the driving force behind the competition.
The Fundació Visit València has carried out more than 20 international promotional initiatives over the past year at events such as the Pride Cup in Orlando, WorldPride in Washington, D.C., the CSD in Cologne, the EuroGames in Lyon, and Gnetwork360 in Buenos Aires.
