Whether you are looking at attending yourself or in support of a friend, family member or local community, watching the Mardi Gras Parade or streaming live no matter what side of the fence you sit can be a lot of fun.  A couple of things you need to know about Mardi Gras…

When Is the Mardi Gras?

Sydney Mardi Gras is celebrating 41 years with one of the most colourful and creative parades to attend this year being held on 2rd March, 2019.

Who is performing at Mardi Gras?

The year’s Mardi Gras Party is set to have one of the most diverse line-ups yet, featuring a slew of local and international DJs including: Amanda Louise, Ben Drayton, Brooke Powers, Butch le Butch, DJ Charlie Villas, DJ Hamo, The Dollar Bin Darlings, Dom De Sousa, Feisty, HipHopHoe, Kitty Glitter, Magda Bytnerowicz, Matt Jay, SVETA, Toy Armada (PH) & DJ GRIND (USA) and Victoria Anthony. source: http://www.mardigras.org.au/events/mardi-gras-party

What is the theme of Mardi Gras 2019?  

“Fearless does not mean we have no fear – everyone experiences fear, it’s a part of who we are. Fearless means living our lives in a courageous way, taking action despite your fears. 

If we can develop fearlessness there is no limit to what we can achieve. Just look at what has been accomplished by LGBTQI advocates, activists, individuals and groups that through fearlessness have stood up for who they are, who they want to be, for equality and inclusion, ensuring other LGBTQI people feel supported, accepted and safe.

Mardi Gras is an opportunity for all of us to shine, express who we are and be a beacon of LGBTQI pride for those among us who are still finding the strength to be who they are. So don’t let fear hold us back – take risks, be strong, courageous, and be proud and let’s all come together at Mardi Gras 2019 and celebrate fearlessly.

Produced with SBS and featuring many fearless members of our LGBQI communities, watch our 2019 Mardi Gras theme video below:” source: http://www.mardigras.org.au/fearless

Rachael’s Top Tips for Best Vantage Points

1/ Like in real estate Location, Location, Location is key! So plan to arrive early to get the best vantage spot.
2/ When buying a home you want to know the local amenities and facilities available, so ensure you know your go to places to purchase food and water, and toilet stops for the night.
3/Spending long days searching for that perfect home, nobody wants to get “Hangry” in the process, so ensure you carry water and snacks just in case you cannot find a vendor in time, your friends will love you for it.
4/ Similar to our open homes where we want to ensure the safety of our attendees, therefore keep an eye on your friends and belongings and stay together to have a safe and enjoyable night out. Carry only the essentials and avoid bulky items.
5/ Like wandering the streets for hours for the perfect home, it is a must to wear comfortable shoes and clothing, dress for the Mardi Gras Event and weather forecast.

A couple of other things you need to know about Mardi Gras…

What is Mardi Gras?

And whether you are up for a party or not The City of Sydney certainly knows how to host one of the best parties of the year! Bursting into life with a full calendar of special and annual signature events that celebrate all things rainbow attracting approximately 20,000 local, interstate and international visitors, providing them with an experience that cultivates a sense of culture and community which equally commemorates the vibrant history of Mardi Gras since inception by the 78ers.

 Want to watch Mardi Gras Sydney 2019?

You can take advantage of a roadside possie along Oxford Street leading up to Taylor Square. A couple of other venues you could visit as you follow the parade up Oxford Street are Beresford Hotel,  Stonewall Hotel  Open from 5 p.m. and tickets start from $22, The Oxford Hotel – Open from 10 a.m. with entertainment from 7 p.m., The Colombian Hotel – Open from 9 a.m., The Courthouse Hotel – Open all day. The Flinders – Doors open from 4pm and DJ’s from 10 p.m.,  VIP Viewing – Sideshow – Flinders St, Darlinghurst  7pm – 11pm, From $61 + booking fees, Wheelchair Accessible.

What to wear to Mardi Gras 2019?

The great thing about Mardi Gras as you can dress in whatever you like, but most importantly, simply be yourself.

Is the Mardi Gras on TV?

Yes, it will be streamed live from 7pm on Facebook and SBS Demand and if you can’t make it on the night, it will also be broadcast on SBS Demand – Saturday 2rd March at 7:25pm with all our favourite hosts including Magda Szubanski, Patrick Abboud, Joel Creasey and Urzila Carlson for our special Mardi Gras broadcast, including hilarious Mardi Gras commentary, a behind the scenes look at the parade and insightful stories that delve deeper into the issues faced by the LGBT+ community.”

Source Online:

“2019 Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras

The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is one of the world’s largest and most high profile LGBTIQ+ celebrations. Having started as a civil rights protest in 1978, Mardi Gras has grown into an opportunity to celebrate diversity, equality, inclusion and pride on a global scale.

Following last year’s historic same-sex marriage vote, this year’s Mardi Gras will be a celebration of how far the LGBTIQ+ communities and their allies have come in the last 41 years, as well as a reflection on the community’s hopes for the future.

The television broadcast will feature the best and brightest floats and costumes in the parade, interviews with special guest and celebrities.”

Online source: https://tvtonight.com.au/2019/02/airdate-2019-sydney-gay-and-lesbian-mardi-gras.html

Whatever you find yourself doing this weekend, Happy Mardi Gras!

Rachael 🌈