The first unofficial Mardi Gras took place on June 24, 1978, as a protest march for LGBTQIA+ rights in commemoration of the Stonewall Riots.
Since then, the celebration has evolved into what we now know as the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, one of the largest festivals in the world and a massive source of income for NSW.
Mardi Gras celebrations have become so huge in Australia that they have attracted international performers such as Dua Lipa, Cher, U2, Cyndi Lauper and Village People, as well as beloved homegrown stars like Kylie Minogue and Tina Arena.
In this pre-millennium collection, we take a look at the history of Australian Mardi Gras celebrations with the most fabulous pictures from the archives.
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