Montreal Pride: When Agence Thaly’s Art Celebrates Diversity and Inclusion in Color !

On Sunday, August 9, 2026, the streets of downtown Montreal vibrated to the rhythm of music, laughter, festive slogans, and an immense wave of collective love. The Montreal Pride Parade, the crowning moment of these weeks of celebration, once again proved that our city shines through its openness, creativity, and cultural richness. Thousands of people gathered along the barriers to celebrate the right to be oneself, without compromise.

For Agence Thaly, this event was not just another date on the event calendar; it was an absolute must. More than just a simple presence in the crowd, this day represented the perfect opportunity to lend our brushes, our colors, and our technical expertise to a cause that is deeply important to us: inclusion, diversity, and freedom of expression. Because for us, art is above all a bridge between human beings.

Behind the Scenes of a Festive Morning on René-Lévesque Boulevard

It was at the heart of this unique excitement, right on René-Lévesque Boulevard, that our team set up to take on a beautiful creative challenge. Our mission? To enhance and bring to life the looks of two magnificent Drag Queens who came to proudly embody the presence of the company AtkinsRéalis in the parade.

From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., in a high-energy atmosphere, the brushes and color palettes danced to prepare our two stars of the day. Festive and theatrical makeup designed for a parade requires great synergy and solid real-time time management. The team focused on impactful visuals tailored to the event:

• A Festive and Chromatic Glow: The faces were adorned with vibrant shades—blending sunny yellows, intense pinks, and deep blues—perfectly matching their wigs and the joyful spirit of Pride.

• A Bold and Graphic Style: The work focused on graphic eye looks, bright smiles, and intensified eyebrows to ensure the characters were expressive and captivating, even when seen from afar by the cheering crowd.

• A Long-Lasting Finish: Participating in an August parade means dealing with summer heat and the physical movement of the march. Thanks to the use of professional products and adapted setting sprays, the makeup looks were ready to shine under the sun without moving a single millimeter.

A Strong Partnership with a Deeply Committed Company

This magical opportunity stems from a natural and inspiring collaboration with AtkinsRéalis. Far from being a simple symbolic participation, this on-the-ground initiative aligns perfectly with the corporate culture of this multinational company. AtkinsRéalis actively promotes an inclusive and safe workplace for its LGBTQIA+ employees worldwide.

Whether through highly active internal diversity networks, allyship programs, or global awareness campaigns, the company fosters safe spaces every day where everyone can truly be their authentic selves. By entrusting the makeup of their two ambassadors to Agence Thaly for the parade, AtkinsRéalis chose to materialize its corporate values of equity in the most beautiful and vibrant way possible: through live art and cultural celebration.

At 1 p.m. sharp, the signal was given and the parade set off. What a joy and immense pride it was for our team to see our two creations proudly step onto the route, radiant, colorful, and regal under the loud cheers of the public! Their colorful faces proudly carried a message of hope and acceptance.

Makeup: A Vehicle for Pride and Emotion

For Agence Thaly, this day reminds us of the true essence of our profession. Artistic makeup is not just about beautifying or entertaining. It is a powerful tool for self-expression, an identity amplifier, a confidence booster, and a universal symbol of joy.

Whether it is to power a major brand activation, energize a large-scale corporate event, or actively support a social movement as unifying and essential as Pride, our agency always answers the call with the same passion and professionalism. This memorable Sunday will remain etched in the history of Agence Thaly as a moment of pure human magic, connection, and raw creativity.

A huge thank you to AtkinsRéalis for their trust, a big congratulations to our artists who worked with joy during this three-hour sprint, and a very special thank you to the community for this raw, inclusive, and benevolent energy. Long live diversity, long live art, and happy Pride!

🎨 Are you planning a brand activation or an inclusive corporate event?

Make your organization’s deep values shine and offer a memorable visual and human experience to your guests. Contact Agence Thaly today to book a artistic makeup concepts that will leave a lasting impression.