Mardi Gras 2012

Overview

The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras has evolved into a remarkable cultural institution since its beginnings as an anti-discrimination protest (and commemoration of the Stonewall riots) over three decades ago. This year’s theme — ‘Infinite Love’ — as well as seeming to recall the spirit of the 60s counter-culture, signifies (together with its new logo) a future-vision in which the parameters of love-definitions are enlarged, or are made infinitely reinterpretable.

An ever-burgeoning program of exciting happenings — this year packing-in over 60 events(!), over a huge three-week calendar — will, from 12 February to 4 March, see spectators and participants traversing all ends of the Harbour City. Whether one wishes to barrack for their pick of the racing drag queens at the Bondi Beach Drag Races, to cool-off at The Flinders and Beresford hotels for The Laneway post-party, or to engage with some Queer Thinking at The Seymour Centre, there’s certainly ample to see and do.

The festival’s climax, of course, remains the pride-parade: an extravagant procession of more than 9000 exotically costumed performers, dancers, and political expressionists, who will float their way down Oxford and Flinders Streets on Saturday 3 March from 7:45pm. And after years of buzz and speculation, we should be so lucky to hear that the pop princess herself — Kylie Minogue — will be returning to the Mardi Gras this year, to perform atop the biggest float in the parade’s history. With simply so much on, this year the Mardi Gras promises to be the biggest, the best, and the most fabulous yet.