Mardi Gras

There is no place like Sydney, no time like Mardi GrasThere is no place like Sydney, no time like Mardi Gras, say those who visited Australia’s largest city in February. It was at this time that the famous parade of gays and lesbians takes place here, closely associated with the tradition of winter carnivals before Lent. And even bearing the name of this holiday.

Around the world, Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday in French) is an almost cult religious event with a shade of reckless fun. The famous carnivals in Rio de Janeiro or New Orleans are the best proof of this.

In Sydney, the annual parade took the form of not only unrestrained fun, but also a kind of struggle for the rights of Australian (and not only) sexual minorities. The annual Gay and Lesbian Pride Parade in February is one of the largest in the world. And, by the way, it has almost no relation either in Lent, or even directly to Tuesday. Because traditionally it lasts a few weeks.

The first such event was held in Sydney in June 1978. And although the organizers received official permission, the parade was canceled, and the participants were dispersed by the police. Some of them were arrested. Most of the "debauchers" were soon released, but the Sydney Morning Herald published a full list of detainees. As a result, many were turned away by friends, and some even lost their jobs, as homosexuality was a crime in New South Wales until 1982.

A year later, the parade was held again. By 1981, not only the number of participants, but also the number of spectators had grown significantly. In 1988, the celebrations were moved to February, and the parade was renamed "Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras". The more tolerant the attitude towards homosexuality became in society, the more participants were included in the parade. And the procession itself began to be guarded by the police - as well as any important official event.

The parade, which is based on dancers in exotic costumes, always remains at the forefront of political life, witty commenting on or even parodying political leaders and their opponents.

Despite all the controversy and exoticity, the Mardi Gras parade has already become part of the national Australian culture. And a good article of income, annually bringing the country’s budget millions of dollars – thanks to the influx of tourists and local onlookers.

In 2007, the festival will run from February 2 to March 3. Festive events include cabaret, comedy and music shows, theatrical performances. The 14th Mardi Gras Film Festival will feature 10 new films. Also, as part of the celebration, many literary and artistic events, forums and conferences will be held. On the final day of the parade, Sydney will be rocked by the biggest dance party in the country. This year’s theme is “Love Objects”. The main DJ is Boy George.

Mardi Gras Parade in Sydney is pampered annually by famous guests. For example, this year actor (and, of course, gay) Rupert Everett will gossip publicly about who's who in Hollywood and present his book The Red Carpet and Other Banana Pelts.