Halifax’s Natal Day parade left without access to Macdonald Bridge

Halifax's Natal Day parade took to the streets of Dartmouth, N.S., over the weekend with floats, music and celebration.

As is tradition in Nova Scotia, the 128th Natal Day Parade was a key part of the holiday weekend.

There were plenty of musical performances to enjoy for locals and visitors who came from all over to celebrate in the city.

“I had the opportunity to come and my family’s visiting from the states,” said Rhonda Wadden. “They don’t get to see this stuff, right? Their parades are a little different than ours.”

Some participants used the opportunity to share political messages, including caution against 'strong mayor’ powers and opposition to uranium exploration.

Thirty-seven entries – including floats and walking groups – took part in the parade. People packed the streets and their balconies along the Dartmouth route.

The parade usually crosses the harbour but parade chair Gordon Hayward told CTV News they were told in February that the Macdonald Bridge wasn’t available to them because of construction.

Hayward said another challenge is getting people to participate.

“The Natal Day Parade of 2018, which would’ve been the last one before COVID, we had close to 100 entries,” Hayward said. “It’s harder and harder to get people to come out.”

Hayward said the people who came were happy with the colourful event and a lot of people enjoyed the music. The sentiment was echoed by some younger critics.

“It was actually good, and [there was] like a lot of good energy,” said Cairo Simmons, who particularly enjoyed the floats. “They were really creative and fun – and I like that I saw SpongeBob.”

“It was really good,” said Eli Trider. “I’d say it was like a nine out of ten.”

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page