MARDI GRAS : 40 YEARS OF EVOLUTION

The 2018 Parade with its theme (FORTY YEARS OF EVOLUTION) broke all sorts of records. Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras CEO Terese Casu outlined the extraordinary magnitude of the event :- 200 entry floats-groups, close to four hours viewing time, 250 bikes, 178 vehicles, and 15 pushables, 12300 participants and an estimated 300,000 spectators.

Beyond the sequins, extravagant flair and wit, there were many floats touching on underlying issues; acceptance, inclusivity, diversity and respect.  

Perhaps some of the biggest cheers were for the over two hundred 78ers who attended from all over Australia, and who led the Parade.

This year’s Party was headlined by LGBTQI icon Cher who briefly joined in the Parade to kiss Cher look-alikes on a float dedicated to her.

The Parade was covered by SBS with celebrated gay hosts  Joel Creasey, Magda Szubanski, Urzila Carlson and Patrick Abood and can be seen at your leisure on SBS’s streaming service, SBS on Demand.

Pics by Denver Mottau