It’s that time of year again! The time when rainbow colours and glitter brighten the streets of Sydney. The time when people band together to honour the history of the LGBTQIA+ community. The time when unity and joy take precedence above all else. That’s right – it’s Mardi Gras season!
Widely considered to be one of the many awesome reasons to live in Sydney, this two-week festival is set to be an epic celebration. From 16 February to 3 March 2024, you can explore a wide range of events, food and drink options, and an extravagant parade. This is one celebration international students won’t want to miss.
To help you celebrate, we’ve put together a guide on everything you need to know about Sydney’s 2024 Mardi Gras Festival.
The history of Mardi Gras
Today, the Sydney Mardi Gras festival is renowned as an uplifting and often wild party. Its roots, however, are far more serious – Mardi Gras actually began as a major civil rights movement. In 1978, a group of protestors gathered in Darlinghurst, Sydney, to raise awareness of social justice issues, such as the decriminalisation of homosexuality. The protests resulted in police violence, arrests and subsequent discrimination. This night marked a turning point for not only Sydney’s LGBTQIA+ community but for Australia’s cultural heritage.
Over the following months, more protests and heavy-handed arrests unfolded. In April 1979, the Parliament of New South Wales repealed the NSW Summary Offences Act, which was the piece of legislation that had allowed such violent arrests to be made. In the wake of this victory, the LGBTQIA+ community did what anyone would do: they celebrated. That year, 3,000 people marched in the first Mardi Gras parade without incident. In 1980, they introduced the “post-parade party” – and it was then that the Mardi Gras we know today was truly born.
These strides we have seen in Australia have not been made everywhere. Even today, members of the LGBTQIA+ community are marginalised and even criminalised around the world. As a result, the festival is a refreshing change of pace for many LGBTQIA+ international students in Australia. Oftentimes, it symbolises a new beginning in a country that offers them the freedom to be who they are and to love who they love.
Sydney Mardi Gras festival events
If you’re thinking of attending this year’s festival, you’re probably wondering: what Mardi Gras events are being held? Well, lucky for you, the 2024 program for Sydney’s Mardi Gras festival is jam-packed. Drag shows, boat parties, DJ sets – you name it and the Sydney Mardi Gras Festival probably has it. Rest assured – you won’t spend one second of these two weeks bored!
You can browse online to find events you’re interested in and purchase your tickets. Hint: many events offer discounted tickets for full-time students, so be sure to take advantage of these deals!
Perhaps the most famous and beloved event is the Mardi Gras parade. Just like last year, this year’s parade will take place at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). Over 6,500 marchers and 160+ floats are set to showcase vibrant costumes, puppetry and props. Believe it or not, your education provider might be amongst these paraders! Every year, some Sydney-based institutions – such as the University of Sydney and Western Sydney University – create stunning floats and march with pride. Watching from the stands, you’ll feel the energy of the crowd and immerse yourself in a colourful wonderland.
Getting involved
Are you keen to not only attend this year’s festival but help in bringing it to life? Fortunately, there are heaps of opportunities for you to do exactly that.
Volunteering at the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival is a great way to give back to the local LGBTQIA+ community, make new friends and gain practical experience that you can add to your CV. Not to mention, as a volunteer, you can score heavily discounted tickets to the events on offer.
Learn more about volunteering at the 2024 Mardi Gras Festival here.
Additional resources for LGBTQIA+ international students
In Australia, there are several resources and support services that LGBTQIA+ international students can look to throughout their studies. Some of these resources include:
- QLife
- Rainbow Network, which features a directory of support services and groups for LGBTQI+ youth
- Queerspace & Queerspace Youth
You can also consult ReachOut’s comprehensive list of LGBTQI+ support services here, including state and territory-based resources.
Additionally, your education provider may offer helpful support resources for LGBTQIA+ students, so be sure to check your school’s website for more information.
If you need urgent support, please get in touch with one of the following organisations right away:
- Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or,
- Lifeline on 13 11 14
When heading to this year’s Mardi Gras celebrations, remember to be safe and, most importantly, have fun!
Image courtesy of Destination NSW.
