A rainbow flag at Sydney Town Hall is helping the city sparkle a little brighter for the renowned cultural festival, march and party that is Sydney Mardi Gras.
The international symbol of pride sends a clear a message that our city is a welcoming and safe place for people who live, work or visit – regardless of sexuality, gender or ethnicity.
For its 42nd anniversary Sydney Mardi Gras celebrates the theme ‘what matters’, shining a spotlight on LGBTIQ rights now and in the future.
The rainbow flag originated in San Francisco more than 40 years ago and was designed by artist Gilbert Baker. Since then it has become a worldwide emblem of gay pride and gay-friendly areas.
The red in the flag symbolises life, while orange denotes healing, yellow is for sunlight, green represents nature, blue stands for harmony and violet signifies spirit.
The City of Sydney is a major sponsor of Sydney Mardi Gras, entering a float in the parade every year since 2005.
We're providing around $300,000 in cash and in-kind support to the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras organisation for its 2020 festivities.
Around 617,000 people attended last year’s festival, with the event contributing more than $131 million to the NSW economy.
The City of Sydney is also a sponsor of the 8th WorldPride in 2023, to be held in Sydney.
Sydney Mardi Gras is on until Sunday 1 March.
