The parade began at Copley Square and ends Saturday afternoon at City Hall, where there are speakers expected. Police officers are behind City Hall Plaza in riot gear, CBS Boston reported.

Organizers were given a four-hour permit starting at noon. Police said they expected more counter-protesters than actual parade-goers to join the conclusion of the parade at City Hall. 

"We're here to celebrate our community. We're here to show up in the face of hate with love and joy," one protester told CBS Boston. "We should celebrate our differences and celebrate the ways in which people from all backgrounds have contributed to this country."

According to CBS Boston, hundreds of counter-demonstrators have already gathered at City Hall. At least two people were arrested along the parade route just as it started, but it's not yet clear whether they were parade participants or protesters.