The sky was slightly overcast on Saturday afternoon as the 2023 Solstice Parade began making its way down Santa Barbara Street.
But the swarms of people — likely in the thousands — packing the side streets were in high spirits. Loyal Solstice attendees commented that they had never seen such a large turnout.
Glimmering dancers in golden costumes adorned with jewels, crowns, and peacock feathers were the rays of sunshine illuminating the way for the stream of floats, roller-skaters, singers, puppets, and more that followed. As the shimmering performers danced to songs like “Mambo No. 5,” they encouraged parade-goers to dance alongside them. It would have been difficult for anyone to stay in a gloomy mood while surrounded by such sparkle.