TORONTO, Ont. – The city’s annual Pride Parade wound its way through downtown Toronto Sunday, with an estimated million people lining the route.

People came from near and far to take in the parade, which featured a mixture of flags, floats and colourful costumes.

“New Jersey, Toronto is fantastic,” said one man.

“I’m from Colombia, but currently living in Miami,” said one woman.

The energy was at the parade was electric, with both the young and old joining together to have a good time and celebrate.

It’s the 32nd year for the festival, and this year’s parade theme was to “celebrate and demonstrate.” The parade got underway at 2 p.m. Sunday at Bloor and Church streets.

Church Street from Carlton Street to Hayden Street was closed from Friday at 6 p.m. to Monday at 6 a.m.

The official flag-raising for this year’s Pride festival took place at noon Monday at City Hall and Mayor Rob Ford did not attend.


The mayor has already stated he won’t be attending the Pride parade on Canada Day, citing his annual trip to the family cottage.

Some big events have already taken place this weekend. The Dyke March was held on Saturday and the Trans March took place on Friday.

The annual gathering for the gay community brings in close to $136-million to the city and province.

Organizers are gearing up for 2014 when Toronto will be hosting World Pride.