The sound of loud trombones, exhilarating drums and striking banners, took over entire Massachusetts Avenue as street bands from diverse backgrounds marched for the 14th annual HONK! Festival in Somerville, Massachusetts. Even though they had no stage to elevate them above the crowd, the bands contributed to a joyful atmosphere.
The 3-day event brings together visitors from all over the United States to Somerville for a celebration of music and activism.
This year -- the theme was: We All Need a Home: Housing for All, Sanctuary for All, A Healthy Planet for All.
HONK! kicked off on Thursday night with a brass band blowout in Union Square, followed by a lantern workshop and parade on Friday. On Saturday, more than 20 bands filled the nooks and crannies of Davis Square and held large musical performances. On Sunday, street bands and community groups joined in a two-hour-long parade from Davis Square to Harvard Square. Each band got an opportunity to perform in front of the crowd and interacted with audiences.
This year was the third time Barbara (right) and her daughter joined in the HONK! parade. Like other spectators, they stood on the side of the Massachusetts waiting for the arrival of parade team | Photo by Hao Sun on Oct. 13, 2019
"So fun, joyful, full of energy, and this year their theme is about climate change and justice for immigrants, it's just awesome," Barbara said.
The HONK! parade officially began at noon and arrived at Harvard Square at 2p.m. The sound of the bands, who were close to the crowd, ringed through the streets as they applauded.
"The music and overall vibe is amazing. It's become a tradition we look forward to it as a family," said a local, Kolika C.
This year's theme was echoed by the bands after Greta Thunberg addressed the climate crisis. More than half of the bands in the parade carried flags or banners with the theme of environmental protection and climate change. Several of the musicians wore costumes of endangered animals to call for people to protect the planet and realize the crisis is more complex than just climbing temperatures.
"We see a lot about climate change - it's always been there but this year it's been spoken about more which is fabulous, totally needs to be top of mind for everyone," Kolika said.
Participants also voiced questions about immigration and reasonable housing prices. The bands were not paid for their appearance at the festival but they were to connect with each other to commemorate efforts to fight for justice.