SPAIN:A homosexual march is hardly the place one would expect to see the Teletubbies. But Tinky Winky and his pink handbag was one of the stars of the fourth annual gay pride celebrations in Madrid this weekend.
"Viva Tinky Winky!" chanted thousands of demonstrators in protest at the repressive Polish government's attempts to ban the children's television programme on grounds that the third Teletubby was a gay in drag.
Hundreds of gays and lesbians from Europe and America had converged on Madrid for their annual party. More than 250,000 of them - many in fancy dress waving their rainbow flags - brought Madrid to a standstill on Saturday night with a noisy march through the centre of the city. Floats with bands and dancers and colourfully dressed participants throwing condoms into the crowds gave the city a carnival atmosphere.
Around midnight, revellers spread out across the city, many to the bohemian Chueca area to dance and sing until dawn, and others to the all-night "Infinitelyegay07" disco party in the Casa de Campo park. One group of tall men in flowing multicoloured silk cloaks swept past us as we sat in the square near the Royal Palace, while another gang dressed in skin-tight white outfits minced by on their way to their next party.
There was some disappointment this was the first European city hosting this event where the participants have not been received by the mayor and his corporation. "In 2004, the mayor of Hamburg welcomed us. In 2005, the mayor of Oslo joined in our march - as did Ken Livingston in London last year," complained Toni Poveda, president of the Gays and Lesbian Federation.
"To be fair, Madrid City Council have been generous in their financial support. But is a shame the mayor could not make a gesture by putting in an appearance," said Robert Kartl, president of the international organising committee.
But if the conservative mayor and his Popular Party were absent, the same could not be said of the opposition, which turned out in strength. Carmen Calvo, the culture minister was there, as were union leaders Candido Mendez and Jose Maria Fidalgo. Also present was the openly gay Madrid (socialist) city councillor Pedro Zerola, one of the first to take advantage of the law legalising gay marriages two years ago.
Many who arrived from around the world for the party praised the welcome they had received in Madrid. For some, it was their first time in Spain and many expressed their surprise at how broad-minded the people were. "I thought Spain was a deeply religious conservative country," said a young American women. "I never expected anything like this."
Other gays from England, Holland, Sweden and the rest of Europe were not so surprised. Many say they often come to Madrid and Barcelona at weekends to party. "Spain has made enormous strides. I think the people accept gays better here than many other countries," said one young British man.
"No one has stared or made comments. People smile at us," said his friend as they sat in the sunshine enjoying a beer.