This was the 37th annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade in Sydney, Australia and about the 6th one that we have been to.
A Brief History of the Sydney Mardi Gras
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This iconic parade arose from one night of political protest in 1978. The first march took place on Saturday 24th June 1978 at 10pm, and it was met with unexpected police violence. This 1st Mardi Gras march was a major civil rights milestone and by 1994, the event had achieved so much that even the ABC, the Australian Broadcasting Commission, screened a 50-minute program. Since then it has become an accepted and integral part of Australian life.
One Happy Event with a Very Important Message
Its international popularity continues to grow, as this is one happy parade where everyone is part of one big community. Australians know how to celebrate, and the Sydney Gay, and Lesbian Mardi Gras is a global gay annual event attracting visitors from all over the world. The Parade is held on the 1st weekend in March, when the days are still hot and the nights, at times, contain a hint of autumn.
This year the parade hit homophobia in sport in Australia full on, with floats and participants from all major sporting codes joining in the Parade. People were able to watch their sporting heroes strut their stuff down Oxford Street. This is what it is all about. Braking down any remaining barriers.
(so difficult to photograph with all of the dancing and the movement ..but you get the jist )
The beauty of Sydney
Sydney is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and that is said with and without bias. It’s setting on the harbour make it undeniably spectacular. Yes we know that it is a long flight but with very justifiable rewards at the other end. It is also an easy place to be because there is so much to see and do. The people are easy going, the dining options are endless as are shows, performances and general people watching. The multiculturalism of Sydney is a big draw card. The Sydney Mardi Gras, is another huge draw card.
It was so good to see the floats of Qantas and of Airbnb and even the ANZ banks who made their Darlinghurst ATM machines GAYTM for the month long festivities
As per usual the crowds went troppo (Australian for we were so happy to see them) when the NSW police entered Oxford Street.
To think that the police had fought the 1978 protestors and are now their most ardent supporters of the Sydney Mardi Gras, Parade. This is always appreciated and rewarded by the deafening cheers from the crowd. The paramedics, armed forces, our lifesavers all had contingents marching in the parade. It is impossible to mention the diversity of support that was shown here but suffice to say it was so impressive.
The Sydney Mardi Gras, Parade 2015 makes you so proud of how far we have come as people. It is one very very friendly event, a hell of a visual spectacle and also a humbling one. We love the entire experience, and if you make the long haul flight to Sydney you will most definitely need to put this on your list to experience.
Stay as close as you can to the parade and book early.
We were very late bookers, and we thank Hotel Cambridge Sydney, smack in the center of the action and 100metres to the parade, for putting us up at the last minute. Great location to see one of the best festivals in the world…if not the best.
Make sure when you join us next year for the Sydney Mardi Gras, Parade 2016, to pack that glitter, put on those feathers and wish everyone and anyone you meet, a “Happy Mardi Gras”.
Love the photos, they show exactly what the Mardi Gras is about.
Thanks Nina, it was so much fun.
Beautiful photos – thanks.
It was also great that you included the history of the event.
It’s time our politicians and PM took some notice – it’s definitely time Australia allowed marriage equality.
This event makes me proud to be an Australian.
And Sydney is still my favourite city in the world!
We are totally on the same page. I adore Sydney and Australia but we can be such a nanny and conservative country. Bring in marriage equality yesterday please.
Looks like a really colorful and over the top parade, fun!
Noel, it is totally OTT and I chose carefully the images I put up. I love the friendliness of the entire event and the message behind it.
Sydney is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. I have been to a Gay Pride parade in San Francisco, but I believe the Sydney parade is even bigger and more colorful. It is nice to see large companies get involved in a social statement of this kind. The world is progressing one step at a time. Wonderful photos, you really captured the colorful glamour!
Thanks Suzanne. The parade is so special in so many ways, and we are always pleased to see the support of so many people. I left out so many of the companies that showed their support. Sydney and Australia do festivals and celebrations very well.
Oh Paula ~ What a wonderful round up about the Sydney Mardi Gras – Love your photos which totally capture the good humour and good vibe that now surrounds this event that is celebrated by the nation –
What an experience to be totally in the centre of the action, as you evidently were 🙂
LOL Linda; actually my friendly drag queen nearly knocked my head off when she put her arm around me. We love the parade and all that it signifies.
Hi Paula,
More reasons to LOVE Sydney! (Hard to imaging there could be more, for this nearly perfect place on Earth!)
Thanks for taking us with you for this fun, safe, and timely event.
Wishing you safe and happy travels,
Josie
Thanks Josie, we are 100% biased that we love Sydney. It is a physically beautiful city, and on Mardi Gras night particularly you see what a friendly and happy soul it has. Happy travels to you also
We live in Sydney and have never been to the Mardi Gras. I wish we had gone years ago before it got so big. Next year we’re just going to have to take a leap of faith, cope with the crowds and go.
Next year, I am booking our normal restaurant on Oxford St, where you can run in and out to see the parade and it is not as frenetic, and you are most welcome to join us. We will show you the best places to see everything before and during.