Abc Costume Party
The History Of Sydney’s Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras is a yearly tradition that comes from the French for ‘Fat Tuesday’ – in Britain it’s more commonly known as Shrove Tuesday – and is the last Tuesday before Lent begins. Catholic in origin, Mardi Gras is the last day of feasting before fasting begins although many people now – both religious and atheists – use the time to give up an indulgence of theirs for 40 days.
Mardi Gras has now gone from being just one day to lasting several weeks. This is a time of indulgence as people prepare for a more lenient lifestyle over Lent. Like Lent, Mardi Gras is no longer just for those who believe in God. People now use it as a time for fun and adventure with different cities across the world celebrating slightly differently.
Sydney is thought by many to be the Mardi Gras party capital which has particular iconic status because of its association with gay pride marches. The first of these marches – in June 1978 – was met with police violence but over the years the country and police force has become more tolerant. After the New South Wales parliament changed the legislation that allowed these arrests, the demonstrations became more relaxed and the following year more than 3000 people turned up for the march. People attending Mardi Gras now enjoy a trouble free atmosphere in which to enjoy they party.
Attendances doubled year on year and the parade hit the 50,000 mark in 1984 and 500,000 in 1993. By this time it was much more than a local event and people were coming from all over the world to take part. The following year, to the criticism of some, ABC broadcast highlights of the event which gave the channel its best ever Sunday night ratings as viewers across the country tuned in to see the proceedings and colourful Mardi Gras costumes.
The event continued to grow but doubt was cast over its future when, in early 2002, the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras went into administration. A new organisation was quickly formed – New Mardi Gras – to take control of proceedings and within a few years the event was back on track.
Mardi Gras continues to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors every year and several travel supplements have heralded the event as one of the top things in the world to experience.
About the Author
Paul Buchanan writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
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