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National
Harriet Tatham, Paulina Vidal and Maryanne Taouk

Tens of thousands return to Oxford St for Sydney Mardi Gras in biggest parade yet

The best moments of the 45th Mardi Gras Parade

Tens of thousands of Mardi Gras revellers returned to Sydney's Oxford Street on Saturday night, in what organisers say was one of their biggest parades yet.

The street and surrounding areas were bursting with colour and party vibes as people jostled from early in the morning for prime viewing spots, two years after COVID-19 forced the event to be relocated to the Sydney Cricket Ground.

"This is one of the most electric atmospheres I've seen in a very, very long time," Mardi Gras chief executive Albert Kruger said.

"And of course, it's all about equality. It's all about partying with purpose.

"For the first time in history, we have the prime minister marching in the parade, which just signals to the rest of the world that we are accepted."

A smoking ceremony opened the parade. (ABC News: Harriet Tatham)
First Nations people marched with a Rainbow Serpent, signifying their place on Gadigal land. (ABC News: Harriet Tatham)
Mardi Gras is the biggest event on the WorldPride program. (ABC News: Harriet Tatham)
Dykes on Bikes have kicked off Mardi Gras celebrations for 31 years. (ABC News: Harriet Tatham)

The parade is the biggest event in the WorldPride festival, and according to the state's tourism minister was enjoyed by millions across the world.

This year more than 12,000 people were involved in the 208 floats representing the LGBT+ community from all sectors of society. 

Fireworks were also set off along the 2.4-kilometre route in rainbow colours.

In a tradition since 1991, Dykes on Bikes kicked off the night's festivities, closely followed by Boys on Bikes, and the First Nations float which featured a serpent made out of parachute material snaking down Oxford Street.

A smoking ceremony earlier in the night acknowledged the Gadigal land of the Eora Nation.

Lance Mumby and Pete Clare have been married for 46 years.  (ABC News: Kevin Nguyen)
Rainbow Babies and Kids were among the more than 12,000 people involved in the 208 floats representing the LGBT+ community. (ABC News: Harriet Tatham)
Anthony Albanese made history as the first sitting prime minister to march in Mardi Gras. (ABC News: Kevin Nguyen)
Fireworks were also set off along the route. (ABC News: Harriet Tatham)

And in a nod to how and why Mardi Gras began, floats paying homage to the 78ers and the ongoing struggles for LGBT+ rights were front and centre. 

Lance Mumby and Peter Clare were among those protesting in 1978. They have been together for 46 years, attending Mardi Gras for just as long.

"I'm feeling more recognition of the 78ers, whereas in the past it sort of comes and goes. It has been very full on this year," Lance said.

Peter added that he has been "very emotional", with people coming up and "giving you a hug".

Some truly spectacular costumes were on display. (ABC News: Kevin Nguyen)
Spectators took photos throughout the day — and not just of the parade. (ABC News: Harriet Tatham)
Anthony Albanese called the event a "celebration of modern Australia". (ABC News: Harriet Tatham)

In an historic appearance, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese marched with other NSW Labor Party members, including state opposition leader Chris Minns.

"It's unfortunate that I am the first, but this is a celebration of modern Australia; we're a diverse, inclusive Australia and that's a good thing," Mr Albanese said.

"People want to see that their government is inclusive and represents everyone, no matter who they love, no matter what their identity, no matter where they live."

Representation from different countries featured strongly in the parade. Queer Irish, the Chinese Pride, the Scottish Bravehearts, and Brazilians all had floats.

Rainbow fireworks lit up Sydney's skyline during Mardi Gras
Eddie Oba, left, has been to six Mardi Gras parades since moving to Australia nine years ago. (ABC Queer)
A young woman with a hula hoop takes part in the festivities. (ABC News: Kevin Nguyen)
Craig and Chris say Sydney has a "buzz" during Mardi Gras. (ABC News: Kevin Nguyen)

Eddie Oba has been to six parades since moving to Australia nine years ago. For him, Mardi Gras is very personal.

"Because in my country of origin, Nigeria, a gay person can go to jail for 14 years," he said.

"It's the seasonal celebration of how far we've come and how progressive we've become, and also a stark reminder that's there's a still lots of work to be done."

Another big theme of the evening was the visibility of pro-trans rights groups, including youth groups, parents and mental health advocacy organisations.

"Protect trans kids," read many posters.

A  big theme of the evening was the visibility of pro-trans rights groups. (ABC News: Harriet Tatham)
Qantas staff were one of many groups to take part in the parade. (ABC News: Kevin Nguyen)
Procter & Gamble Australia's Lead with Love float. (ABC News: Kevin Nguyen)

Much like those marching, the crowd was lively and energetic throughout the five-hour spectacle — with some spectators sitting on the fence line for almost 12 hours to secure a spot.

Western Australians Peta and Mel came prepared with collapsible stools and an esky full of goodies.

Others carried fans, umbrellas and used rainbow flags to protect themselves from the Sydney heat, which reached a balmy 26 degrees.

They, unlike those who wandered in later to find the crowd 30 people deep, had an uninterrupted view of the event.

The parade lasted five hours. (ABC News: Harriet Tatham)
Oxford Street welcomes back more than 12,500 participants taking part in the parade. (ABC News: Kevin Nguyen)
The parade had an "electric" atmosphere.  (ABC News: Harriet Tatham)
Braveheart marchers represented Scottish expats, and were among the international contingent present.  (ABC News: Harriet Tatham)

Charlotte and Hayley Fitzpatrick were one such couple.

With their forearms perched on the fence line, the high school sweethearts — who said they were one of the first same sex couples to be married in the ACT — described how important it was for them to be there.

"It's our first parade, and we wanted it to be on Oxford Street," Hayley said.

"We'll bring the kids next weekend to March over the bridge."

As the parade came to a close, several spontaneous dance circles erupted at the fence lines, before revellers moved on to find their next activity.

For some, it was home to bed.

For others — the night was just beginning.

Millions across the world were expected to tune in to the televised broadcast. (ABC News: Kevin Nguyen)
More than 12,000 people marched in front of one of Mardi Gras's largest crowds. (ABC News: Kevin Nguyen)
Sydney's 45th Mardi Gras parade, Saturday, February 25, 2023. ABC News: Kevin Nguyen (ABC News: Kevin Nguyen)
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