A steady buzz of chants, cheers and songs filled Monument Square on Saturday as over 3,000 people gathered for the second time this month to protest Trump administration policies.

Real estate was scarce around the monument as protesters cheered on speakers. Chants of “We the people have the power,” “Down with Trump” and “This is what democracy looks like” broke out in waves.

As the square overflowed, people set up shop with their signs across Congress Street in front of the library as dozens of vehicles rolled through, honking their horns in support — until the area was closed to traffic to make way for a march down to City Hall.

The Portland march was organized by Indivisible Greater Portland, and was one of hundreds of rallies in small towns and big cities Saturday to denounce President Donald Trump’s sweeping policy moves. It was the second day of mass action nationally this month in opposition to the administration, the Washington Post reported.

The more than 700 planned events were part of the “50501” movement, a decentralized campaign that began on Reddit and got its name from a Feb. 5 push for “50 protests in 50 states on 1 day,” the Post reported. That effort led to anti-Trump protests at state capitol buildings across the nation.

Saturday’s demonstrations — held on the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolutionary War — came two weeks after the April 5 “Hands Off” rallies, which drew millions across the country — and thousands in Portland and elsewhere in Maine — in the largest single-day protest of Trump’s second term, the Post reported.

“Powerful. Invigorating,” said Amanda Eaton of Portland when asked to describe the atmosphere on Saturday afternoon. “We’re taking a stand for democracy and we’re not going to back down because what’s happening in our country is absolutely disgusting and terrifying.”

View 7 photos

When protesters were asked what issues they felt especially strong about, their lists were often long. Among their answers were “equality,” “reproductive rights,” “the environment,” “education,” “transgender rights,” “deportations,” “fascism,” and Congress’s refusal to take action.

“My son is married to a Haitian woman who’s an American citizen, and my granddaughter is Haitian American,” said Olga Skorapa of Brunswick. “I am worried for her, I am worried for her mother, I’m worried for her grandmother … I’m worried for the disappearance of people, like the fascists did.”

As an educator, she said she is also worried about public schools, universities and academic freedom.

“There’s a rapid erosion of all kinds of institutions, things we take for granted,” said Steve Hodge of Brunswick. “Research into mental and physical health, the education department, the national parks … I’m really shocked that our leaders in Washington aren’t actively opposing this.”

Julia Martin of Portland said she works with children with emotional, developmental and medical disabilities and many are part of immigrant families.

“There’s been such a big impact on the people that I work with and the people who I represent, and they are such a huge part of my community,” Martin said. “Just to sit at home and not do anything feels wrong.”

Martin said she was encouraged seeing people of all ages at the protest, from children on their parents’ shoulders to seniors with signs fastened to their walkers and wheelchairs.

Janet Yancey-Wrona of Falmouth said she has been to previous protests in Portland, and attendance has been growing over time.

“I can only do a little, but if everyone is doing a little bit, then something will happen,” she said. “Change will happen.”