Often called the Gay Village, this area is the center of one of the most vibrant gay communities in the world, widely supported by residents of this proudly liberal, open-minded city. In recent years the municipal, federal, and provincial governments have taken it upon themselves to promote the Village and Montréal's gay-friendly climate as a reason for tourists to visit, but its restaurants, antiques shops (on rue Amherst), and bars make it a popular destination for visitors of all persuasions. The lively strip of rue Ste-Catherine running east of the Latin Quarter is the backbone of the Village.
In late July, the Village's Pride Parade, widely considered the biggest and most outrageous party of the year, attracts more than a million people.
