After the sombre July 1 march, this gathering was a show of strength and a chance to celebrate
When hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets on July 1, the atmosphere was as dark as their black clothing. Theirs was a final, desperate cry aimed at stopping the introduction of an 'evil law' against their wishes.
When a similar group dressed in white returned to Central last night for another demonstration of people power, the joyous atmosphere turned Hong Kong's centre into a giant carnival. This time, they were demanding a greater say in how their city is ruled.
The rally organisers said the public had realised that what could not be gained at the ballot box could be achieved on the streets.
'The assembly reflects the consolidation of people power. Everyone now understands that if they come out and voice their demands, not even a government used to snubbing the people could ignore them,' Richard Tsoi Yiu-cheong of the Civil Human Rights Front said.
Last night's 50,000-strong protest was an extension of the events of a week ago, when 500,000 people issued a clear warning to the government not to bulldoze through the national security legislation.