These are the photos of Sydney Mardi Gras you need to see

More than 500,000 people gathered for the 41st Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

A whopping 197 floats paraded through the city on Saturday (2 March).

Some 12,500 participants danced through the streets. This year, the march took the theme ’fearless’.

Rainbow dresses at Mardi Gras! pic.twitter.com/AIFQtzZVPa

— seth darby (@sethdarby) March 2, 2019

‘People from all around Australia came together on this glittering night to witness a colorful spectacle of protest and celebration’ Mardi Gras chief executive Terese Casu told AFP.

For the first time, Mardi Gras kicked off with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony to recognize the event takes place on Aboriginal land.

This smoking ceremony is a first in the 41 year history of Mardi Gras. The First Nations float is the first float you’ll see, leading the Parade every year. #SydneyMardiGras pic.twitter.com/J93WINsmHZ

— Sydney Mardi Gras (@sydneymardigras) March 2, 2019

LGBTI motorcyclists, including Dykes on Bikes, first toured the route.

Hear the roar! Dykes on bikes are here! #SydneyMardiGras pic.twitter.com/PWTRo0pZCn

— Sydney Mardi Gras (@sydneymardigras) March 2, 2019

A First Nations float kicked off the official pride parade.

Mardi Gras 2019 begins with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony.

We acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora nation, who are the traditional owners of the land on which our celebrations are held on. Always was, always will be Aboriginal Land. pic.twitter.com/8HV44iPXqL

— Sydney Mardi Gras (@sydneymardigras) March 2, 2019

78ers

They were followed by the 78ers, who gathered at Taylor Square for LGBTI rights more than 40 years ago.

Parade participants are gathering in the Rainbow Zone, ready to put on an incredible fearless show!! See you soon for the big Parade! #sydneymardigras pic.twitter.com/Fz3BGx3Nk3

— Sydney Mardi Gras (@sydneymardigras) March 2, 2019

Here come the 78ers! #SydneyMardiGras pic.twitter.com/hgq5dqskMm

— Sydney Mardi Gras (@sydneymardigras) March 2, 2019

Members of the armed forces, police, politicans, the mayor of Sydney, and a host of companies joined the march.

Speaks Volumes. ALL THAT LIVES ON THIS PLANET, including the Planet needs LOVE #sydneymardigras #equality #LGBTQoftwitter pic.twitter.com/lnji5egnev

— Leanne Blake (@LeanneCocolea73) March 2, 2019

Wow, the @sydneymardigras parade was great fun! It was so good to see the whole community come together to celebrate diversity and inclusion. #MardiGras2019 pic.twitter.com/GAVVjCadiL

— Ray Johnson (@CPOACT) March 2, 2019

@MarineRescueNSW is ready to roll for the @sydneymardigras parade! #fearless pic.twitter.com/sfneTAxTZq

— Marine Rescue NSW (@MarineRescueNSW) March 2, 2019

Happy Mardi Gras! Enjoy your night Sydney. #mardigras pic.twitter.com/nekcFNtklw

— Clover Moore (@CloverMoore) March 2, 2019

Everybody needs good Neighbours

Including the cast of Neighbours. The legendary Australian soap remixed its theme tune specially for the event.

Cop a look at our first ever @sydneymardigras float! Cast and crew are READY to party Sydney! #mardigras2019 #neighbours pic.twitter.com/nPs3rAEuhu

— Neighbours (@neighbours) March 2, 2019

Kylie

Pop princess Kylie Minogue crashed the Sydney Mardi Gras party with a surprise performance. She met with Australia’s drag icon, Courtney Act.

Queen of Mardi Gras. Princess of Pop pic.twitter.com/Tp1uWJX6xR

— Courtney Act (@courtneyact) March 2, 2019

The Golden singer marched along the Oxford Street parade route and performed hit song All the Lovers.