After a day of grandeur, pomp and circumstance for Trump, buses and planes of protesters arrived in the nation's capital Friday night and Saturday morning. Women in pink hats with cat ears -- the now universal symbol of anti-Trump sentiment -- filled the sidewalks near the metro and Amtrak hub at Union Station, a venue that housed a Trump gala for donors and friends just two nights ago.

The event, formally called the Women's March on Washington, has drawn women with many disparate agendas, leading to some confusion and controversy about the central message in the weeks leading up to the march.

Women's March live coverage

But many of the women traveling to Washington said they wanted to bring attention to reproductive rights, the proposed rollback of former President Barack Obama's health care law and the fight for equal pay for men and women.

Following anti-Trump protests that became heated Friday, the mood among marchers Saturday was jovial and even celebratory as old friends from across the country greeted one another and mothers and daughters walked hand in hand through the crowd.

Some wore white and blue sashes that said "dissent is patriotic." Many carried signs that said "Women Won't Back Down." Others bore placards with more colorful references to Trump: "Nasty Women rock" and "Keep your tiny hands off our rights."

Protesters rally worldwide in solidarity with Washington march

In interviews, marchers said they were hoping to maintain a positive vibe -- a respectful demonstration of democracy and expression of free speech.