Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
Sydney, Australia
February 4 - March 4, 2006

This massive celebration began in 1978 and has grown in popularity ever since, despite hitting some bumps in the road, including major financial troubles and something of an identity crisis in 2002. Mardi Gras has rebounded nicely since then.

The festival includes a huge launch party, a Mardi Gras Film Festival, several big parties, and the incredibly colorful Mardi Gras Parade, which is followed by the mother of all Mardi Gras parties. More than a half-million observers and tourists have come to watch the parade in past years, and the party can draw another 15,000 revelers.

If you're interested in visiting during Mardi Gras and attending the main party, be sure to buy tickets early (they often sell out a few weeks in advance). You can buy tickets beginning in early December at the festival website, http://www.mardigras.org.au, which also includes a full description of events.