Sydney gay and lesbian mardi gras darlinghurst
Parade, parties and pride: Here's what to know about this year's Mardi Gras
Over 11, participants are expected to descend on Sydney's streets on Saturday night, leading the charge of the annual Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade.
This year's theme, Free to Be, encourages embracing and celebrating the unique individuality and collective identity of the LGBTIQ+ community, according to the organising committee.
So what is Mardi Gras?
The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is a day celebration of Australia's LGBTIQ+ community.
The first Mardi Gras was a protest in , coordinated in solidarity with other gay and lesbian groups around the world on the anniversary of the Stonewall riots in the United States.
Police beat and arrested 53 people and newspapers published their names, occupations and addresses. In , the NSW Police Force apologised for its actions at the first Mardi Gras.
Thousands of people are expected to participate in the annual parade on Saturday. Credit: AAP
Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras Parade
When: 1 March
In , the Mardi Gras Parade returns to Oxford Street, Flinders Street and Anzac Parade, centred around the theme 'Our Future'. As always, the parade will be led by the beloved Dykes on Bikes, First Nations and 78er floats.
The parade is the biggest event of the festival, featuring more than 12, marchers and over floats captivating spectators with a spectacular display of colour, creativity and pride. There are free viewing areas all along Oxford Street, as well as premium viewing spaces and accessible viewing ticketed areas to view the spectacle from Hyde Park to Moore Park.
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade , Sydney
More invigorating events
There are plenty of other events to enjoy across the city throughout the festival, including performing arts, comedy, films and talks. Key celebrations include:
First Nations First Light: A Festival Welcome
When: 14 February
To commemorate the begin of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras , head to the shores of Bondi Beach for a Welcome to Verb
Footage of first Sydney Mardi Gras parade unearthed after almost 50 years
On the eve of this year's Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade, the National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA) has unearthed footage of the original march not seen in almost 50 years.
The vision of the procession was originally filmed by Ten Eyewitness News.
It shows crowds of revellers clad in capes, flags, and signature 70s fashion, dancing down Oxford Street, contrasted with violent arrests by police in Kings Cross.
Ken Davis points at a shaggy-haired guy who skips through the crowd in the video.
"That's me in a country western frock, because I'm from Tamworth," he grins.
Mr Davis was one of the organisers of what was then called 'International Gay and Lesbian Solidarity Day'.
He said it was a far cry from the blockbuster parade of today.
"At late hours, I wasn't sure anyone was going to come to Taylors Square, and people turned up late, it was very chilly, we had one truck with one banner," Mr Davis said as he walked down Oxford Street, gesturing to
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras Festival of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community is held every summer in Australia. It is known as one of the greatest festivals of its kind in the world, just second to the festival that is held in San-Francisco California.
Due to the numerous visitors during the festival days and the high demand for accommodations it is recommended to check hotel rates and guide rooms & tickets well in advance.
Among the festival events there are:
- Day-time dance parties
- Moore Park, all-night dancing
- Private parties
- Academic discussions
- Film festival
- Rowdy pride parade
- Morning-after party at Luna Park and more
The special atmosphere, the rhythm, the music and the festive celebration promise the thousands of visitors pleasure, whether they are gays or straights.
The festival&#;s updated information is present in the festival&#;s link website. See details below, under &#;Event Related Information&#; section.