100K participate in Helsinki Pride Parade

The Helsinki Pride Parade kicked off on Saturday in the streets of the capital city in show of support for the rights and equality for sexual and gender minorities in the country.

About 100,000 people took part in the parade started from the Senate Square at about noon and ended at Kaivopuisto park at about 3:00 pm rounding different important vantages and crossings amid the rainy weather, said police in a press release.

The procession took the route from Aleksanterinkatu, Mannerheimintie, Pohjoisesplanadi, Fabianinkatu, Eteläinen makasiinikatu, Kasarmikatu and Neitsytpolku arrived at Kaivopuisto park peacefully.

“Despite the rainy weather, the atmosphere was good and everything went smoothly,” Helsinki Police Chief Jarmo Heinonen said.

Participants at the parade bearing colorful banners and festoons together with live bands amid festive mood chanted various slogans to ensure the rights and equality for sexual minorities where leaders of different various political parties also took part.

They also held a rally and series of live shows at the evening where number of noted signers performed.

Helsinki Pride, organised by the Helsinki Pride Community, is the country's largest human rights and cultural event.

The event is a reminder that human rights belong to everybody irrespective of sexual orientation, sexual identity and sexual expression.