World Vitiligo Day 2016 was a vibrant, festive occasion that attracted thousands of participants and spectators worldwide, lasting the entire weekend. From Kazakhstan to Italy, India, Kenya, Spain, Cuba, Brazil, Canada, and the United States, people took to the streets and classrooms to show their support.

Key events of WVD 2016 from around the world:

• Prague, Czech Republic: Prof. Jana Hercogova, the honorary president of WVD 2016, hosted a significant media event in this city known for its dermatological expertise and stunning architecture.
• Washington D.C., USA:
  - Vicki Tiahrt and Natasha Pierre McCarthy (President of Vitiligo Bond) organized key meetings at Congress, including one with the staff of US Presidential candidate Marco Rubio.
  - Valerie Molyneaux, President of VITFriends, led a massive rally with over 300 participants, featuring activists, nonprofits, researchers, healthcare workers, politicians, and elected officials. The event included 20 speakers and entertainers, with hundreds of spectators enjoying the program from under tree canopies lining the lawn at Capitol Hill. This idea came alive after a successful rally at the Massachusetts State House organized by VITFriends last year.
• Barcelona, Spain: Michael Jackson fans walked from Ramblas and Gaudi's Sagrada Familia Temple to Plaça Catalunya in memory of the most famous person with vitiligo.
• Australia: The Vitiligo Association of Australia organized a marathon run and fundraising dinner.
• Nairobi, Kenya: Members of VISOKE marched through busy streets, accompanied by elected officials and TV reporters.
• India: Professors Davinder Parsad and Torello Lotti held a two-day event focused on vitiligo and pigmentary disorders.
• Toronto, Canada: A beach party at Woodbine Beach, organized by hip-hop artist Marcus Haran, who has vitiligo, raised awareness and collected petition signatures, attracting attention from CityTV channel.

The cosmetics industry is also recognizing the needs of the vitiligo community, with US company Zanderm launching the world’s first concealer made specifically for people with vitiligo. Dermablend, another cosmetics brand, is also offering vitiligo products. 

Later in the year,  Natasha Pierre shared with us proclamations that Vitiligo Bond has received in support of the World Vitiligo Day in 2016. Signed by 18 US Governors from: Alabama, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina and West Virginia. 

These events highlight the global solidarity and efforts to raise awareness about vitiligo, showcasing the growing strength of the vitiligo community. Photos capturing rally members gathered in front of the Capitol in Washington D.C. on June 25, 2016, serve as a powerful visual representation of the day's events.

For more details, visit the History of the World Vitiligo Day.

Photos capturing rally members gathered in front of the Capitol in Washington D.C. on June 25, 2016 here below, serve as a powerful visual representation of the day's events and the growing strength of the vitiligo community.