Sydney Mardi Gras 2025: See the biggest Pride down under

The U.S. could learn a thing or two from Sydney's Pride celebrations.

The Sydney Mardi Gras 2025 celebration in Australia took place on Saturday, March 1.

The nearly five-hour celebration began at 6 p.m. and progressed directly into a street party.

And the people of Sydney certainly know how to party.

 The parade is opened by three meaningful organizations.

The celebration makes sure to honor the local LGBTQ+ history.

1. The 78ers

The 78ers are the participants of the first Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade on June 24, 1978.

1. The 78ers

The remaining 78ers march every year.

2. Dykes on Bikes

Australia's longest-running female-identified motorcycle club historically protected the local community from homophobia, hate crimes, and corrupt policing.

2. Dykes on Bikes

Dykes on Bikes has has led the parade since 1988.

3. The First Nations

LGBTQIA+SB First Nations communities performed a ceremony to honor the space, the original owners of the land, and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQI+ community.

Nearly 200 floats walked in the parade.

The Mardi Gras parade began around 6 p.m. and went on til nearly 11 p.m. It's one of the largest nighttime parades in the world.

This is one of the world’s most iconic LGBTQIA+ celebrations

The Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras is a vibrant festival of Pride, inclusion, and activism.

Even Nuns joined the parade!

"Nun of us left out!"

The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence began attending LGBTQ+ events in 1978.

The festival captures the imagination of Australia’s LGBTQI and mainstream communities

The festival takes over the city for weeks on end, culminating in the world-famous Parade: a colourful and dazzling night of pride, celebration and self-expression.

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is one of Australia’s most famous and well-loved events

Thousands of visitors gather in Sydney to join in the celebrations.

This year's them was FREE TO BE

The parade features 200 floats and 11,000 marchers from every corner of the LGBQTIA+ community.

The parade was just one part of the celebration.

Sydney Mardi Gras also features world-class performances, community events, and activations around the city, transforming Sydney into a colorful hub of love and self-expression.

People of all ages, sexualities, genders, and races participated.

A truly unlimited celebration.

And America caught some well-deserved strays. 

"Donald Trump wanted for crimes against humanity," reads one sign.

Some took time to show support for Gaza

"From Gadigal to Gaza."

The 2025 Festival stands as a testament to the power of creativity and resilience

The lineup is as rich and varied as ever, with a focus is on creating meaningful experiences for all festival-goers.

"No Pride in Genocide."

"Free Palestine," reads one person's stomach.

"Sex Workers Work!"

So many causes were represented.

"Lesbian & Autistic"

"Autistic and intersectional."

More than just an arts festival.

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras provides a platform for their communities to share with the world.

"Fight With Us"

"Protect trans kids."

"Fighting to be free."

"Stay fabulous!"

Local drag queen, activist, and author Wonder Mama's message was simple but effective!

"Free to be ME!

HALC HIV/AIDS legal center knows that, "Our future is bright."

So many smiles. 

"Join the fight!"

The Parents for Trans Youth Equality has a great message for allies around the world.

"Love, Sydney!"

Bursting at the sequinned seams, the expansive 2025 Festival program offered over 80 events that bring together the diverse elements of Sydney’s LGBTQIA+ communities.

"I get horny too"

Preach!

Protect guide dogs at all costs!

The tulle bracelets complete the look.

"Not a Fan of a Book Ban"

They get it.

"Love Makes A Family"

Love is love after all!

"Care"

We do!

"Pride is still one heck of a riot."

Remember our history!

Paws up!

Pussy power!

Even the gaymers were out!

Obsessed with the elf ears.

A festival certainly worth your time!

And this was just the beginning of the party!