The 2021 Festival kicks off TODAY, Friday 19 February and runs until Sunday 7 March 2021, culminating with the iconic Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday 6 March at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
The Mardi Gras Parade remains a beacon of hope, a vehicle for protest and the ultimate display of LGBTQI+ creativity.
For the Parade, a stadium crowd will cheer on as 5,000 marchers, across 120 parade entries, take to the field in a vibrant display of diversity and unity. Rita Ora will lead the Parade’s epic entertainment for what is set to be the most spectacular celebration of LGBTQI+ pride and diversity. There are also more than 30 official COVID-Safe Mardi Gras viewing parties taking place around the country, as well as SBS broadcasting live for the hundreds of thousands viewing from home.
This year’s Mardi Gras theme is RISE, a call to action that now is the time to rise again through love, compassion, respect and understanding. The theme is a poignant message following the challenge and hardship of 2020, with Parade entries incorporating it into their final concepts.
Mardi Gras CEO Albert Kruger says, “It’s no secret that the last 12 months have been difficult for communities across the globe, and it has been especially difficult for minority groups and those working in the arts and culture industries.
“So while this year’s Mardi Gras Festival may look different than in seasons past, we’re incredibly proud to deliver a line-up of events that speak to the queer experience, entertain audiences, and support our incredible LGBTQI+ creatives,” said Kruger.
Check out the full festival guide here.
Whether you’ve got tickets to one of the thought-provoking events over the next two weeks, the Parade itself, a parade viewing venue, or plan to have a couple of mates over to watch the big night on the trusty telly, it’s time to dust yourself with glitter and get your rainbow flags at the ready!
Get sparkling with our fave Mardi Gras party products
Bybi Babe Balm – The perfect multi-purpose balm for hydration or adhering glitter to the high points of your cheeks for the ultimate party look. RRP $30
Fudge Blow Dry Aqua Primer – We all know Mardi Gras can be a long night, keep your blow dry perfectly in place with the help of this aqua primer. Maintain a beautiful wave all night with the added benefit of texture and hold. RRP $11.99
Glasshouse Over the Rainbow Candle – With notes of jasmine, rose and violet, this candle is sure to create a party ambience in an instant. RRP $49.95
Ciaté London Sun Switch – Bring your nails to life with this colour shifting nail polish. Let your nails be your sparkling accessory for the night with the shade Treasure Chest. RRP $24. Available in 3 shades from MECCA.
Ciaté London Shadow Flip – Can’t decide on one colour for your eyeshadow look? Look no further. Ciaté has created a multi-chrome, highly pigmented liquid eyeshadow. The luminescent colour shifts as the light hits you. The ultimate party eye. RRP $32
The Beauty Chef Inner Beauty GLOW – What better way to celebrate than to GLOW from the inside out. The Beauty Chef’s GLOW is a supercharged formula helping your skin to radiate and your gut to heal. RRP $65
St Tropez Extra Dark Bronzing Mousse – The holographic bottle immediately speaks to everything Mardi Gras however what’s inside is even better. Their deepest, darkest tan yet gives a beautiful bronzed glow, perfect for a big celebration. RRP $59.99
Anastasia Beverly Hills Norvina Pro Pigment Palette Vol. 1 – This highly pigmented eyeshadow palette has every shade you can think of. From matte to shimmer shades, this palette has everything you need to create a standout Mardi Gras look. RRP $112
