In pictures: Mardi Gras 2023

Happy Mardi Gras!

70 City of Sydney employees and friends took part in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade on Saturday 25 February.

Credit: Damian Shaw/City of Sydney

Oxford Street, you’re so sweet!

This year’s theme for the City of Sydney float was ‘Oxford Street, you’re so sweet’. A celebration of Oxford Street as a place that holds a sweet spot in the hearts of LGBTIQA+ communities.

Our choreographed routine was to a soundtrack incorporating ‘Strawberry Kisses’ by Nikki Webster, ‘Sweet Lovin’’ by Sigala and ‘Sweet Dreams’ by Eurythmics.

Credit: Damian Shaw/City of Sydney

Continuing our support for LGBTIQA+ communities

The City of Sydney is a major sponsor and supporter of Sydney WorldPride and the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. This is the 18th year we’ve been involved in the parade.

Credit: Damian Shaw/City of Sydney

We all scream for ice cream!

Our float was led by a vintage ice cream truck.

The truck was driven by Bar Coco owner Alfio Coco who was accompanied by his daughter. The Mardi Gras Parade holds a sweet spot in his heart.

Alfio’s dad Mario moved from Italy to Sydney in the 1950s and purchased the ice cream truck.

One of Mario’s first adventures with the truck was driving it in a Mardi Gras Parade in the 80s with the transgender float. Mario was throwing condoms out of the window and the crowd loved it. He described it as “one of the most amazing experiences I've ever had.”

Sadly, Mario passed away early in 2022. Before his passing he expressed to Alfio that one of his wishes was for the ice cream truck to be restored back to its original glory, and feature in the Mardi Gras Parade.

Credit: Damian Shaw/City of Sydney

Until next year!

Thank you to all City of Sydney employees and friends who planned, rehearsed, danced and brought our 2023 float to life.

Credit: Damian Shaw/City of Sydney