ATLANTA — Thousands took over Midtown on Sunday for the Annual Atlanta Pride Parade, where revelers, floats and countless organizations showing support for the LGBTQIA+ community were out in full force.
The parade started at the MARTA Civic Center station and ended at Piedmont Park. The parade is part of the Atlanta Pride Festival, which is the largest free Pride festival in the United States. It is a weekend full of vibrant parades, live entertainment, community engagement and meaningful conversations, according to a release.
This year’s theme is "United with Pride," and that’s exactly what people are here to foster. The parade event of the festival draws in at least 100,000 people. According to a release, the theme highlights the power of coming together to celebrate diversity, inclusion and acceptance.
And that was exactly what people like Paula Nash came for.
“Everybody, allies, LGBTQ+ community together should support each other," Nash said.
Jason Traylor was another person who attended and was on a float bringing together LGBTQIA+ sports clubs that involved climbing, running and swimming groups.
“Some of the people participating today, it’s going to be their first pride, so being able to experience and show them exactly the magic and beauty that is Pride," Traylor said.
One of those people experiencing the Atlanta Pride Parade for the first time was Santana Nash, who said the atmosphere was everything.
“A lot of energy and just happiness. Because that’s what this parade exudes," Nash said.
The parade culminates a weekend of Pride-filled events from community marches to star-studded entertainment like Ava Max and many more.