What's so special about Australia's Mardi Gras?

There are Mardi Gras festivals all around the world, with probably the most famous being in Rio de Janeiro, in Brazil, and in New Orleans, in the United States. But in Sydney it has changed its nature again, becoming a global celebration of LGBTIQ+ culture, and an iconic movement for social justice.

Radha La Bio performs for the media launch. Friday November 2, 2018. Source: AAP Image/Petter Rae

The annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade is the centrepiece of the entire Mardi Gras festival.

And this weekend's parade is expected to be watched by hundreds of thousands of people, all around Australia.

But what is Mardi Gras  -- and why is it significant?

A live stream of the parade will be available on SBS On Demand on Saturday 2 March. Or watch our broadcast on Sunday 3 March at 8.35pm on SBS.

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