The PrideFest Parade returned to Albuquerque recently for the first time since the pandemic began, drawing an enthusiastic crowd, according to KOB 4.

The event was special for Ariana Carabeajal, who attended her first Pride event and celebrated openly. 

“Just freedom, for the most part, being able to be who you are finally and just, especially in this day and age we’re going through a lot,” she told KOB 4. “I’m very happy to be able to be out here with everybody and just be happy about who we are.”

The outbreak of COVID-19 caused the parade’s cancelation in 2020 and 2021. This year offered a chance for new Pride goers and others who have participated for years to meet in a spirit of togetherness and freedom. Old attendees are happy that new attendees can enjoy the festival and believe the new excitement made the parade more enjoyable than in years past.

One Pride goer told KOB 4 she was excited that the parade resumed this year. 

“I’m very, very excited because it’s been a while since I’ve been to Pride, and everybody, especially during quarantine, I feel like so many people came out, and I was anticipating that there was going to be a very large crowd today and there is, and I’m so excited and I’m very very happy,” Giddings said, as reported by KOB 4.