Twin Cities Pride, Somali Independence Day celebrations bring 500K+ to Minneapolis
Two major celebrations are taking place across Minneapolis, bringing in half a million visitors.
Twin Cities Pride and Somali Independence Day are bringing an air of celebration to the city.
"The energy is incredible. Everyone's happy to be here. Everybody's celebrating each other," said Sophia Turner, of Minneapolis.
"We want people to understand who we are," said Ayub Hassan, who attended Somali Day as the owner of Blue Horn Somali Tea. "What we're highlighting is our freedom."
Somali Day commemorates the country's separation from colonial rule in 1960.
Both events combined brought roughly over 500,000 individuals to Minneapolis — that's roughly the population of Wyoming.
"Everyone can be themselves; if you're an ally or part of the LGBTQIA+ community," Elizabeth Pritchard, of Minneapolis, said.
"The community we're celebrating can be at a disadvantage, so it's important," Turner said.
With both events going on, safety is a high priority. Metro Transit even expanded services and is offering free rides throughout the weekend of the festivities.
Minnetrista resident Mike Schoeneman brought his girls to both events.
"To celebrate the cultures and everything and to show my girls the differences too," he said.
Pride continues on Sunday with a parade starting at 11 a.m.
