There is nothing greater on the Australian LGBTQI calendar than the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival, one of the most famous festivals in the world, in fact.And the 2026 festival, which runs from 13 February to 1 March, is set to keep the greatness alive with its chosen theme of 'ECSTATICA'. Ordinarily we at Cream wouldn't allow uppercase letters in an event title, theme or product name but since we've been to many a Mardi Gras festival (not just the parties) and loved each and every one of them, we'll let that rule slide.
After several years of deep dialogue within popular culture and society at large – from the importance of trans discussion to the rights still needing to be fought for in LGBTQI acceptance – it is refreshing that this year's Mardi Gras theme will add some light, laughter and love to the proceedings. The ECSTATICA theme is all about joy, but not just as an emotion. It’s also about activism and connection, and invites people to unite across different cultures, generations and identities to transform individual happiness into a shared experience. The 2026 theme lends the idea that joy can be a powerful act of resistance and renewal — something that uplifts everyone, especially in a world where LGBTQIA+ rights and visibility are still being fought for. As Mardi Gras Co-Chairs Kathy Pavlich and Mits Delisle emphasise: “Joy isn't just personal – it's a collective force.”
“For almost half a century, Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras has been a place where our communities gather, celebrate, and be seen.
“ECSTATICA looks forward to seeing our communities bring this theme to life through floats, performances and moments that capture both our history and our future as we march towards the 50th anniversary in 2028!” For more information, or even to apply to have a float in the parade or be a part of the festival in any way, visit mardigras.org.au.
Antonino Tati
After several years of deep dialogue within popular culture and society at large – from the importance of trans discussion to the rights still needing to be fought for in LGBTQI acceptance – it is refreshing that this year's Mardi Gras theme will add some light, laughter and love to the proceedings. The ECSTATICA theme is all about joy, but not just as an emotion. It’s also about activism and connection, and invites people to unite across different cultures, generations and identities to transform individual happiness into a shared experience. The 2026 theme lends the idea that joy can be a powerful act of resistance and renewal — something that uplifts everyone, especially in a world where LGBTQIA+ rights and visibility are still being fought for. As Mardi Gras Co-Chairs Kathy Pavlich and Mits Delisle emphasise: “Joy isn't just personal – it's a collective force.”
“For almost half a century, Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras has been a place where our communities gather, celebrate, and be seen. “ECSTATICA looks forward to seeing our communities bring this theme to life through floats, performances and moments that capture both our history and our future as we march towards the 50th anniversary in 2028!” For more information, or even to apply to have a float in the parade or be a part of the festival in any way, visit mardigras.org.au. Antonino Tati
