Over 11,000 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 , according to the organising committee.
So what is Mardi Gras?
The first Mardi Gras was a protest in 1978, coordinated in solidarity with other gay and lesbian groups around the world on the
Police beat and arrested 53 people and newspapers published their names, occupations and addresses. In 2016, 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
Following the suggestion to turn the march into a moving street party, Mardi Gras as we know it today was born.
For 47 years, Australians have marched down Oxford Street in what organisers call a "demonstration of the incredible power of passion, creativity, and community".
Mardi Gras CEO Gil Beckwith said the fight is far from over, adding this year's theme is
a "manifesto of what our community has desired and fought for dozens of decades and the reason why we will continue to be here, fighting".
What does Mardi Gras mean?
Mardi Gras, French for "Fat Tuesday", refers to the Christian carnival celebrated before the fast of Lent.
Inspired by the lively music, costumes, and extravagant feasts, it became the perfect symbol for the 1978 marchers' vision of a street party.
The 78ers are a group of LGBTIQ+ activists who marched in the original Sydney Mardi Gras on 24 June 1978. Credit: AAP
When and where is the 2025 Mardi Gras parade?
The Mardi Gras parade will start from Oxford Street in Darlinghurst at about 7pm on Saturday, moving through Flinders Street before finishing at Anzac Parade, Moore Park at about 11pm.
It is free to attend, but tickets are available for various parties and viewing areas.
How can I watch the Mardi Gras parade?
Watching from the street is free and unticketed, though likely to be crowded.
There are some viewing areas along the parade route that people can buy tickets for.
The Mardi Gras route starts on Oxford Street in Sydney. Source: AAP / Paul Braven
Transport NSW has advised revellers to leave their cars behind and use public transport, as several major roads will be closed for the parade.
