Halifax Pride parade back in full-force

Halifax Pride kicked off on Thursday with 150 events planned throughout the 11-day celebration of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

“Everyone’s just having a good time,” says Amy MacArthur.

People began lining the streets early Saturday morning under sunny skies to get a front row seat.

Clyde Moser was one of them. He and his wife were sitting in their chairs before 10:30 a.m., a full two hours before the parade came by.

“We come from Dartmouth and I said the bridge is going to be backed up because the new bridge is closed so I said to the wife lets get over and get a place to park and get a place to sit,” Moser says.

A photo from the Halifax Pride parade on July 20, 2024. (Jonathan MacInnis/CTV News)

The first festival was held back in 1988. Moser says he hasn’t missed many of them.

“I’ve been going to for years. It started out small and now it’s a real big thing and I really enjoy it, it’s the best parade they have around here.”

Pride was cancelled in 2023 but has returned for 2024.

Celebrants are glad it’s back.

“Everyone in the whole city together for a big colourful celebration and to celebrate Pride,” says Daniel Slade.

“It’s definitely grown a lot, it’s a lot more inclusive,” adds Mashayla Conway.

A photo from the Halifax Pride parade on July 20, 2024. (Jonathan MacInnis/CTV News)

Still, for many Pride comes down to one thing, being confident in who you are.

“Showing off what you want to be and what you could be and what you’re proud of. Your hair, anything really, just showing off you,” says Sloan MacArthur.

Halifax Pride celebrations continue until July 28.

The full schedule of Pride events, including community planned festivities, is available here.

For more Nova Scotia news visit our dedicated provincial page.