On Saturday, hundreds of thousands marched in Madrid Pride, the biggest LGBT festival in Europe. While there was a feeling of celebration along the Paseo del Prado, organizers of Madrid Orgullo dedicated the parade to victims of homophobia around the world, with many participants holding signs that read "I march for those who cannot."

In all organizers expected 1.2 million attendees.

"We are organising one of the best Pride events in the world," activist Boti G. Rodrigo told the AFP. "It is time to speak up for all those who cannot, so they can see that they are not alone in suffering, that we are fighting for their freedoms and for our own, and that LGBT human rights are inalienable."

While international attention has focused on Russia and Uganda, there are still European nations where anti-gay policies dominate, including Hungary, Croatia and Slovakia.

Madrid will be the next host of WorldPride, in 2017.