Hundreds of thousands of people celebrate Mardi Gras

HUNDREDS of thousands of people have braved the weather and lined Sydney’s Oxford Street strip to celebrate Mardi Gras.

less than 2 min read

March 4, 2017 - 10:13PM

Parade goers prepare for the start of the 2017 Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images) Mardi Gras to shine with glitter despite rain

HUNDREDS of thousands of people have braved the weather and lined Sydney’s Oxford Street strip to celebrate Mardi Gras.

The event, in its 39th year, had 184 floats registered to take part in the even which puts the spotlight on LGBTIQ rights in Australia.

Participants dance before for the annual Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade in Sydney, Saturday, March 4, 2017. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

Donuts are back in fashion. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett)

Participants spreading their wings. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett)

Participants are seen taking part in the 39th annual Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade (AAP Image/Joel Carrett)

Dancers perform during the 2017 Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade. (Photo by Brook Mitchell/Getty Images for ANZ)

A colourful character. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

All of the colours (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

Say yes to love. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett) NO ARCHIVING

Some of the outfits on display. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett)

Participants are seen taking part in the 39th annual Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade, in Sydney, Saturday, March 4, 2016. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett)

Participants are preparing to take part in the 39th annual Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade, in Sydney, Saturday, March 4, 2016. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett)

These guys came prepared for the rain (AAP Image/Joel Carrett)

All smiles before the event. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett)

The Sydney Mardi Gras parade began in 1978 as a march and commemoration of the 1969 Stonewall Riots of New York. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)