Thousands take in annual Halifax Pride Parade

Despite the poor weather on Saturday, thousands of people lined the streets of downtown Halifax for the 31st-annual Pride Parade.

Pride Week officially kicked off on Thursday. The parade is considered one of the biggest and most anticipated events of the summer.

“It’s still very important to have these things and we’re so lucky that we live in Canada and can do them because not everybody in the world can,” said Nick Voutour, Halifax Pride organizer.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "It's still very important to have these things and we're so lucky that we live in Canada and can do them because not everybody in the world can," said Nick Voutour, Halifax Pride organizer.

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The theme for this year’s Pride Parade is “Because of You.”

Some people say the parade gives them an opportunity to be themselves.

“It’s just good to have a place where you can come and express how you feel and not have to be judged because some places you can be judged. Halifax is a great city to come and enjoy,” said Faton Topalli.

READ MORE: Halifax Regional Police fly Pride flag outside headquarters, but will still skip summer parade

For some spectators, it’s their first time attending the Pride Parade. But for others, it’s a yearly tradition.

“We always love going to any local events that Halifax puts on, Pride being one of those ones.” said Amy Mielke.

“It’s just important to like show your support for everyone in the community,” added Patrick Jerrett. “We have quite a few friends that are part of the LGBTQ community so we wanted to come out and show support for them.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "It's just important to like show your support for everyone in the community," added Patrick Jerrett. "We have quite a few friends that are part of the LGBTQ community so we wanted to come out and show support for them."

READ: Nova Scotia raises pride flags, advocates say issues need to be addressed

When asked about why Tracy Covey came out to watch the parade she had a simple answer.

“Because I love love,” she said. “I think it’s awesome that so many people come together for something as fantastic as acceptance and love.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Because I love love," she said. "I think it's awesome that so many people come together for something as fantastic as acceptance and love."

Organizers say they did a lot of work over the last year to make the festival as accessible as possible. One of the ways they did that is by introducing an accessible viewing platform outside the Halifax Central Library for people with mobility issues.

Inside the library, there was a low sensory viewing area in place.

“That’s for people who may want to watch the parade in a more controlled environment,” said Voutour.

There was also an audio descriptive area set up along the parade route to help people who are visually impaired enjoy the parade.

READ MORE: Halifax café with queer community space coming from former Smiling Goat baristas

Halifax Pride Week runs until July 29. For a full list of events, click here.