There were mixed ages, with many children. Holger, Ellis and Edgar happily joined the parade.
A staple event of Skellefteå Pride is usually the parade that marches through Skellefteå. For the past two years, it has not been possible to have a parade due to the pandemic, but on Saturday it was back - and the turnout was great.
– It's great that so many have come, said Josefine Norqvist, who traveled together with her partner Mirja Egefjord.
They were two of many in the parade who said that Skellefteå Pride is fun, but also important.
– Today, when I am here, I feel proud but there is still much that can be improved when it comes to inclusion in society. Among other things, the heteronorm, that it "must" be a man and a woman in a relationship, lives on in many ways, but there is change on that front, says Mirja.
Daniel Sjögren was there with his children, Oskar and Saga.
– It was a lot of fun. I really liked the music, Saga said after the parade.
– It's cool with so many people, said Oskar.
Dad Daniel was on the same track.
– It's awesome that so many people come and gather to show love to everyone. I am a little worried about the development in other parts of Sweden where non-inclusive forces are growing in some places, therefore I am extra happy that there are so many people here today.
The parade went from Nordanå to Guldtorget. The picture shows Susanna Ljung, a teacher at the cultural school, together with some of her students.
The parade started at Nordanå and wound its way through central Skellefteå before arriving at Guldtorget. There was music and speeches, including one from Linnéa Wikman, vice president of RFSL in Skellefteå.
–I have to admit that I was moved during the parade. It's great to see so many people here today, she said.
Kenneth Haukland marched together with his daughter Jonna Deilert.
It is the ninth year that Skellefteå Pride has been held.
– The support has really grown during all these years. Skellefteå has changed and today I can say that I am proud of Skellefteå; I have not always been able to say that, said Wikman.
At the same time, she was also aware that there is still much that can be improved.
– In Skellefteå, we are not finished with the inclusive work, but we are well on our way. We have to keep working to keep this change going in the right direction. Skellefteå Pride really gives me hope for the future and I hope you feel the same, said Wikman in front of the cheering crowd.