Soon the streets of Sydney will be lined with floats, and glitter will be flying through the air as Mardi Gras rolls into town. The all-too-fabulous Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade is a month-long celebration which will see hundreds of thousands of people travel interstate and from around the world to view the spectacular event. Whether it’s your first time or tenth, if you’re looking to make the most out of your experience, we have some tips for you.
It’s about more than just the parade
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The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras isn’t just about the parade. It’s a celebration of individuality and it also includes an array of fabulous events that range from film festivals to theatre, from harbour parties to Fair Day, which attracts thousands of people to Victoria Park to indulge in great food and entertainment. One of the most iconic events of the carnival is the Little Black Dress Run at Darling Quarter. Strap on your highest heels, don your favourite little black dress, and enter the charity fun run to battle it out for the ultimate crown. Between the heels, short dresses and fake wigs, hilarity and entertainment is guaranteed.
Know where to shop
Looking to dress up and let your inner diva out? Well there is no better time or place than Mardi Gras. If travelling, we recommend saving room in your luggage and stopping off at one of the many costume shops Sydney has to offer. The go to place to get all your fun and fabulous dress up attire is House of Priscilla on Oxford Street, Darlinghurst. Walk up the stairs and be met with an array of glittering dresses, wigs, platform shoes and fantastic feather headdresses which can be hired or bought. Other costume shop options include Snog the Frog (Surry Hills) and The Costume Shop (Waterloo).
Be fashionable, but not fashionably late
With an estimated crowd of 200,000 last year, if you are heading out to an event during Mardi Gras, always get there early. Especially when it comes to parade night. There is nothing worse than being so far back you can’t see anything. Parade routes can look empty one moment, but the crowds fill the streets fast within a few hours of the parade. Make the most of the celebration and get to your desired destination at least two hours before the festivities start to ensure the perfect spot. We recommend the corner of Oxford and Flinders Streets, for the best viewing spot. If you decide big crowds aren’t your thing, check out KAYAK Heat Maps to find the next best areas to celebrate.
Think smart when heading out
The best way to get to the parade is to leave the car at home and take public transport. For parade night, we recommend you travel to Central Station and walk to the parade starting point or your preferred viewing place. Mardi Gras is huge, with thousands of people on the streets, and it is very easy to get separated. The minute you reach your viewing destination, make sure everyone knows where to meet in case you or your friends get lost. Don’t rely on mobile devices as service is not always guaranteed in large crowds, and as we know, phones die. Also, if you’re not used to the area, take the business card of your hotel out with you so you can give it to a taxi driver in case you get lost.
It’s never too early to start planning
If you got a taste for Mardi Gras, why not take it international next year and start planning a visit to Brazil or New Orleans? There are carnival celebrations on virtually every corner of Brazil, but the biggest and most famous carnival is undoubtedly Carnival in Rio de Janeiro. One of the greatest elements of Rio’s Carnival is that it not only provides entertainment for the nearly two million people that attend from around the world, it also provides a chance to learn about the true culture of Brazil.
Across the pond, Mardi Gras is also celebrated by over a million people in the city of New Orleans. It is also cheaper to fly there than to Brazil. During the Carnival season, Mardi Gras Krewes hold elaborate balls, parades and parties with each one having their own unique history and theme. The hot spot for fun and excitement, world-famous Bourbon Street, is a “must-see” on any New Orleans itinerary.
To book flights, check out the best deals here:
Sydney
Rio de Janeiro
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Main image credit: @romantitov/shutterstock.com
Also Read>> On The Beaten Track: Experience These Iconic Festivals Around The Globe
