How Mardi Gras 2021 came to life on Twitter

COVID-19 has changed how we celebrate cultural events around the globe, and the iconic Sydney Mardi Gras Parade was no exception. This year, rainbow revellers flocked to a socially distanced Sydney Cricket Ground, or tuned in from home, to maintain COVID-19 safety plans. While the parade might have stretched around the stadium rather than Oxford Street, the sense of pride, community and celebration at the core of Mardi Gras was as strong and steadfast as ever. Let’s take a look back at some of the highlights from the conversation that unfolded on Twitter.  

Australia lit up Twitter with #MardiGras2021 love

Remembering what #WeRiseFor 

After a challenging 2020, this year’s Mardi Gras theme, RISE, called on the LGBTQIA+ community and allies to lift up each other’s voices, celebrate diversity, and come together to remember what #WeRiseFor and create a better tomorrow. Mardi Gras asked what #WeRiseFor and diverse voices answered.

@TwitterAU were proud to partner with Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras to activate our annual, custom emoji to unite and celebrate the public conversation that happens around this important event.

This year, audience capacity at the parade was limited so that public health measures could be maintained. This meant even more people participated in Mardi Gras online. In the lead up to the parade, Twitter Australia hosted a discussion exploring how LGBTIQ+ joy, community building and expressions of pride take place in digital spaces. 

People in Australia and around the world came to Twitter to share their #MardiGras2021 excitement

Showcase their looks for the parade and talk about what Mardi Gras means to them

The parade was as amazing as it has always been and show a little gratitude to everyone who brought the parade to life

The most Tweeted emojis during the Mardi Gras Festival and Parade

The most Tweeted words in association with #MardiGras2021 conversation

At Twitter, we are #AlwaysProud. We support and celebrate the diverse voices who share, speak, and build communities on our service and stand behind this year’s powerful reminder of what #WeRiseFor.