On the eve of the inauguration of Donald J. Trump as the 45th president of the United States, thousands of protesters and a group of Hollywood celebrities took to the streets in New York City in what was meant to be a show of unity and a prelude to what organizers hoped would be a weekend of dissent around the country.

The New York rally was one of many in a protest movement that has rippled across the country for days preceding Mr. Trump’s inauguration, culminating in the planned Women’s Marches on Saturday in Washington and other cities.

Caravans, buses and individual travelers have been trickling into Washington throughout the week, with protesters finding housing at local churches and on friends’ couches.

Refuse Fascism has also been holding daily marches this week throughout the capital starting on Saturday, when hundreds of protesters mixed with late night revelers on U Street. On Tuesday, tourists in the city’s downtown area encountered activists carrying signs promising to “Bring D.C. To A Halt!”