When the Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras returns in February/March 2026, it promises another unforgettable season of pride, protest, celebration, and ‘ECSTATICA’.
The new theme, ‘ECSTATICA’, is a rallying call to gather, connect, and transform individual joy into a powerful, collective movement.
“‘Ecstatica’ is what happens when you find your people, community and family,” Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras Interim CEO Jesse Matheson says. “It’s the joy that you can see, hear, touch and celebrate together – it has always been at the heart of Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras.”
“In 2026, we’re inviting everyone to shape their Parade floats, events, and gatherings around this shared frequency. By tying into the theme, these community creations become part of a bigger story: a living, breathing manifestation of our community’s power, resilience, and joy.”
Now in its 48th year, the Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras is one of the world’s most iconic LGBTQIA+ festivals. It’s a stage for visibility, inclusion and radical self expression. The 2026 theme, ‘ECSTATICA’, speaks to the collective spirit of the event.
The full 2026 programme will be revealed in the coming weeks, and key opportunities for involvement, like the Mardi Gras Parade and Fair Day, are now open for applications.
The 2026 Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras is on from 13 February-1 March.
This story originally appeared on our queer sister site, FROOTY.
