Montreal’s annual Pride parade, caps off a week of musical performances, sporting events and a slew of other activities in what is billed as the largest LGBTQ festival in the francophone world.
The parade kicked-off at 1 p.m. Sunday at the corner of St-Mathieu Street and travelled east on René-Lévesque Boulevard, ending on Sanguinet Street in the Village.
PHOTO GALLERY: Montreal Pride parade 2016
Revellers were then invited to dance the afternoon away at the traditional Mega T-Dance Party at Parc Emilie-Gamelin.
A sea of green flooded the streets, as hundreds of floats, representing this year’s theme, “Our Flag, Our Nature: GREEN,” made their way along the designated route.
The colour green, represents not only the environment but the rich and diverse nature of LGBTQ individuals.
Both Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Quebec premier, Philippe Couillard were among the dignitaries in attendance, with Trudeau sporting a green shirt at a press conference held ahead of the celebrations.
WATCH BELOW: Justin Trudeau is Canada’s first Prime Minister to attend Pride parade
Trudeau wasn’t the only celebrity in attendance though.
Raven-Symone, a multi-talented American entertainer, was a Grand Marshall at this year’s event.
The African Rainbow, a local group supporting LGBTQ people from the Caribbean and African communities, led this year’s parade.
A moment of silence to remember those who died of AIDS-related illness and homophobia was held at 2:30 p.m., with the victims of the Orlando nightclub shooting top of mind.
Despite the recent tragedy, the celebrations surrounding Pride, are meant not only to highlight the struggles of the community but also its victories.
Organizers pointed to Quebec’s transgender bill, tabled earlier this year, as a case in point and a reason to remain optimistic.
WATCH BELOW: Justice Minister Stéphanie Vallée unveils Quebec’s proposed transgender rights bill, just after the federal government tabled its piece of legislation, Bill C-16.
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