Sydney is gearing up for what promises to be one of its most dazzling celebrations ever, as the 48th annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival officially launches its 2026 program.

Every year, tens of thousands of people from across Australia turn up to watch more than 10,000 participants and more than 200 floats.

Running from February 13 to March 1, 2026, this edition of the festival invites everyone into a world of movement, connection and joy, under the theme "Ecstatica".

"Ecstatica is about euphoria as resistance, a reminder that our collective queer joy is on a break from the battle," Mardi Gras interim CEO Jesse Matheson told 9news.com.au at today's launch.

"It is actually the fuel that keeps us marching forward.

"Our joy tells us where to go next, and this y

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