Stockholm  - Rain showers failed to dampen the party spirit Saturday as thousands of people waving rainbow flags, balloons - and the odd umbrella - took part in the Europride parade in Stockholm.

The parade capped the 10-day event that has attracted thousands of homosexuals, bisexuals and transgender individuals from near and afar. The 2009 Europride is due to be hosted by Zurich, Switzerland.

Bystanders cheered and applauded as floats passed by, many equipped with massive loudspeaker systems blaring out popular hit songs.

Some bystanders jumped into the throng to get a photo next to some of the numerous drag queens and other participants in fancy dress - or virtually no clothes at all.

Organizers anticipated some 80,000 participants, topping the 50,000 that joined the 2007 parade but were not sure of the final tally.

Among the 140 groups in the parade was a section for gay police officers, fire brigade employees walking behind a fire engine with flashing lights, nurses, dentists, trade union members as well as parent and sibling groups formed to support homosexuals and transgenders.

Six of the seven political parties in the Swedish parliament with the exception of the Christian Democrats were also represented.

Mona Sahlin, leader of the opposition Social Democrats, opted for a pair of pink shoes as she marched at the head of her party's section.

Members of the Swedish Federation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights walked with duck tape over their mouths and carried banners saying, "Marching for those who can't."

The silent protest underscored the Europride week theme, "Swedish Sin, Breaking Borders" that aimed to highlight pride over the progress made in Sweden and problems in the rest of the world where gay pride events are banned and attacked. (dpa)