About half a million people lined the streets of Stockholm during this year's Pride parade on Saturday, according to Stockholm Pride. About 50,000 people walked in the parade itself, including several party leaders.

This year the parade started at the City Hall on Kungsholmen and went through central Stockholm to the Östermalm sports field. Nearly half a million Stockholmers lined the streets in rain and sunshine.

All party leaders except Ebba Busch (KD) and Jimmie Åkesson (SD) participated in this year's parade.

”"Through the government's participation in the Pride Parade, we want to draw attention to the parade's importance for our open society, everyone's right to live as they are, and love who they want," says Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in a press release.

The Sweden Democrats have not been welcome at Stockholm Pride since 2014.

Representatives from business, government and civil society also participated.

”"We have had a serious assault in the city near the parade, but we do not know if it was pride-related. One person has been beaten and pushed by two other people," says police spokesperson Ola Österling.

No one has been arrested for the assault, but Österling describes the investigation as good.

”"There were also two public gatherings without a permit at the end of the train where people stood with banners, among other things," says Ola Österling.

This year's Pride theme is "stronger together".

”"We are celebrating the end of a fantastic pride week, but it is also a day when we fill the streets of Stockholm to focus on the fact that there is much left to do and we need to be strong together, all year round," says Michal Badryk, chairman of Stockholm Pride, in a press release.

Stockholm Pride has been organized annually since 1998 and is the largest Pride festival in the Nordic region.

Source: TT-DI.SE