U.S. Embassy Vienna advises of several events and demonstrations
scheduled this weekend in Vienna, Austria.
Location: Announced gathering points include, but are not limited to, Vienna’s 1 st District inside the Ring
Road, and the 18th District west of Türkenschanzpark
Event: Vienna´s annual Pride festival will take place on Rathausplatz (in front of Vienna City Hall) in the
1st District on Saturday, June 17, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. A large-scale Pride Parade will
depart from in front of the Rathausplatz at 1:00 p.m. and proceed counterclockwise around the
Ringstrasse, concluding back at Rathausplatz around 5:00 p.m. At 6:00 p.m. there will be a moment of
remembrance, followed by speeches and performances by LGBTIQ artists. Expect significant traffic
detours, public transportation disruptions and a large police presence. If you plan to attend this event,
be aware of your surroundings. Large-scale events can be attractive targets for criminals and extremists.
Demonstrations:
- Beginning at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, an estimated 500 demonstrators will rally at Stephansplatz (in
front of St. Stephen´s Cathedral) to counter-protest the Pride Parade. The event organized by
“Platform Family” will protest against same-sex marriage, abortion, adoption rights for same-sex
couples and transgender rights. Demonstrators will march from Stephansplatz down Stock-im-
Eisen-Platz, Graben, Kohlmarkt, Michaelerplatz, Schauflergasse, and end at Ballhausplatz at 5:00
p.m. - Also on Saturday, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., an estimated 200 demonstrators will rally at
Türkenschanzplatz to protest against NATO and the EU for perceived aggression against Russia
since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, march westbound to the Ukrainian Embassy at
Naafgasse 23 before returning to Türkenschanzplatz.
Actions to Take:
- Be alert to potential danger. If you see something that seems odd or out of place, notify the
nearest law enforcement officer right away. - Always have your cellphone with you and ensure emergency numbers are programmed,
Austrian Police (133), Ambulance (144). - Follow the instructions of authorities and road signs regarding closures and detours.
- Avoid the areas of demonstrations.
- Exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests.
- Monitor local media for updates.
- Keep a low profile.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Vienna – Consular Section
+(43) 1-31339-0
https://at.usembassy.gov/
ConsulateVienna@state.gov
- State Department – Consular Affairs: 1-888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
- Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at STEP.state.gov to receive security
updates - Follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@USEmbVienna)