An estimated 20,000 people are gathering in Santa Ana on Saturday, Jan. 20, marking the one-year anniversary of the Women’s March that saw millions of people across the nation fired up in protest after President Donald Trump’s inauguration.

Hundreds of marches are planned this weekend around the country and in other parts of the world.

This year’s march plays out against a backdrop of the #metoo and #timesup movements, and as a surge of women run for public office, from school board to the U.S. Senate.

Organizers say the marches will represent a wide range of issues, including immigrant, worker and disability rights, and the environment.

The demonstrations are underway hours after the federal government shut down, with President Trump and Congress unable to cut a deal.

Julia Moreno, left, and Gina Tiffany, center, take part in the OC Women’s March along with 20,000 others in Santa Ana on Saturday, Jan 20, 2018. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Gina Tiffany, a volunteer with planned parenthood leads the OC Women’s March in Santa Ana on Saturday, Jan 20, 2018. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

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Retired federal judge Lynne Riddle marches in the second annual OC Women’s March in Santa Ana on Saturday, Jan 20, 2018. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Women lock hands in solidarity during the second annual OC Women’s March in Santa Ana on Saturday, Jan 20, 2018. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Bella Briceno, 2, flexes her muscles during the second annual Women’s March in Santa Ana on Saturday, Jan 20, 2018. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)



A woman in a downtown Santa Ana store window shows her support as 20,000 protesters take part in the OC Women’s March on Saturday, Jan 20, 2018. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

A woman burns incense before the Women’s March in Santa Ana on Saturday, Jan 20, 2018. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

An estimated 20,000 marchers take to the streets ofSanta Ana on Saturday, Jan 20, 2018 during the second annual Women’s March. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Women’s Marcher’s, including men, women and children, hit the streets of Santa Ana during the second annual event on Saturday, Jan 20, 2018. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Briana Walker takes a picture with her daughter Mabel, 3, during the Women’s March in Santa Ana on Saturday, Jan 20, 2018. Walker says she was in the hospital last year but promised to make it to this year’s event. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)



Rose Blyth-Howard with her daughter Lillie, 6, listen to speakers at the Women’s March in Santa Ana on Saturday, Jan 20, 2018. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

An estimated 20,000 people take part in the second annual Women’s March in Santa Ana. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

The mounted patrol keeps a watch on the Women’s March with an estimated 20,000 people in Santa Ana on Saturday, Jan 20, 2018. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

An estimated 20,000 people take part in the second annual Women’s March in Santa Ana. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

An estimated 20,000 people take part in the second annual Women’s March in Santa Ana. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)



An estimated 20,000 sign-carrying marchers take part in the second annual Women’s March in Santa Ana. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

An estimated 20,000 sign-carrying participants walk in the second annual Women’s March in Santa Ana. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Retired federal judge Lynne Riddle marches in the second annual OC Women’s March in Santa Ana on Saturday, Jan 20, 2018. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Led by six Native American women dressed in traditional garb, a diverse crowd of marchers stepped off at the corner of Flower Street and Civic Center Drive in Santa Ana and snaked around the block before spilling onto Main Street.

Waving thousands of signs, the marchers cheered and danced to songs by Cyndi Lauper and Beyonce. They chanted: “When we fight we win!”

Attendees said they were there to support many social justice causes, including women’s rights, reproductive rights and the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy, known as DACA.

“I’m worried for the future of our country,” said Lorraine Gayer of Huntington Beach, as she held a sign with a picture of the Statue of Liberty that read: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled Norwegians.”

Holding a sign that read: “Now you’ve pissed off grandma,” Sonja Dominguez, 80, of Fountain Valley said she was inspired by her granddaughter to march.

“I just can’t bring myself to call that man president,” she said. “He’s not my president.”

Many marchers who attended last year’s the event said they were delighted to see as many, if not more, participants this time.

“It’s wonderful to see so many people who feel the same way we do – outraged,” said Carol Hajdu, from San Fernando Valley. “But as exciting as this is, we hope we don’t have to keep doing this for many years to come.”

Jon Trask, 57 of Orange, walked among a crowd of women Saturday morning, cane in hand. He was still recovering from multiple back surgeries, but said he felt if he was well enough to walk at the gym, he was well enough to join the march.

He said he was particularly motivated by the poor state of health care and foreign policy.

“I would never feel quite unrepresented the way I feel now,” Trask said. “You have to lend your weight to it, you have to at least show up. I’m not a sign maker, I’m not a big slogan person or anything – but I should be here.”

Some scenes from the march:

Police giving unofficial estimate of about 20,000 in Santa Ana for Orange County #womensmarch2018 @ocregister pic.twitter.com/BJ131Y5Dy6 — Kelly Puente (@KellyPuenteOC) January 20, 2018

Crowd chanting "When we fight we win!" Marchers say they're supporting DACA, reproductive rights, human rights. #womensmarch2018 in Orange County pic.twitter.com/BV4NCnNAO0 — Kelly Puente (@KellyPuenteOC) January 20, 2018

Lorraine Gayer of Huntington Beach says she's worried about the future of our country. #womensmarch2018 @ocregister pic.twitter.com/AILmhsj8aX — Kelly Puente (@KellyPuenteOC) January 20, 2018

Lots of people here in Orange County for the #WomensMarch2018 follow us for more pics! @ocregister pic.twitter.com/uV7s286He6 — Kelly Puente (@KellyPuenteOC) January 20, 2018