Cairns Tropical Pride was an annual LGBTQ pride parade and festival in Cairns, Australia, and the largest LGBT event in Tropical North Queensland.[1] The first event was held in 2006, and was originally held in conjunction with the Cairns Festival before changing its name for 2015 and 2016 to "Tropical Mardi Gras" and its timing to October.[2] The event reverted to Cairns Tropical Pride for 2017.[3]
The festival featured a variety of activities, including boat cruises, pool parties, art exhibitions and a Fair Day with a renowned Dog Show, community forums, drag and fashion shows, art exhibition and community recognition awards.[4] In 2016, the Fair Day also introduced an annual same-sex wedding expo.[1]
In 2019, the organization's board voted to discontinue the festival due to a lack of support, funds, and volunteers.[5] Nevertheless, the Queensland AIDS Council foundation decided to take charge of organizing the event under the name Cairns Pride Festival from that year onwards after consulting the local LGBT community about the continuity of the event and obtaining widespread support for its realization.[6][7]
The 15th edition of the festival, held in 2021. It began with the inauguration of a rainbow pedestrian crossing by local councilor Amy Eden. The celebration also included a week-long art exhibition, a beach party, a dog show, and a fair day that featured cultural, culinary, and musical activities, including a performance by the Australian band Shakaya.[8][9]
In 2024, the festival was held from October 4 to 13 and continued to be organized by the Queensland Council for LGBTI Health.[10]
See also
References
- 1 2 "Tropical Mardi Gras in Cairns: "Show your love in paradise"". Same Same. 2 September 2016. Archived from the original on 30 November 2016. Retrieved 29 November 2016.
- ↑ Dalton, Nick (18 March 2015). "Cairns Mardi Gras to shine in October". Cairns Post. Retrieved 29 November 2016.
- ↑ "Cairns Tropical Pride - Event - Queensland". Queensland.com. Archived from the original on 25 August 2017. Retrieved 25 August 2017.
- ↑ Alexander, David (14 October 2015). "Cairns Tropical Mardi Gras goes from strength to strength". Star Observer. Retrieved 29 November 2016.
- ↑ Barber, Laurence (21 February 2019). "Cairns loses LGBTI festival as Cairns Tropical Pride closes after 12 years". Star Observer. Retrieved 29 January 2021.
- ↑ Rohan. "Cairns Pride rises from the ashes - Australian Pride Network". australianpridenetwork.com.au. Archived from the original on 7 April 2025. Retrieved 24 May 2026.
- ↑ James, Michael (27 February 2024). "Queensland Shines With More Pride Events Than Ever in 2024 - Star Observer". Star Observer. Archived from the original on 30 April 2025. Retrieved 24 May 2026.
- ↑ Hirst, Jordan (12 October 2021). "Cairns Pride Festival returns with big celebrations this week". QNews. Archived from the original on 15 June 2024. Retrieved 24 May 2026.
- ↑ Rogers, Destiny (15 October 2021). "Shakaya headlining Cairns Pride Fair Day this Sunday". QNews. Archived from the original on 17 April 2024. Retrieved 24 May 2026.
- ↑ James, Michael (2 October 2024). "Cairns Pride Festival Kicks Off This Weekend - Star Observer". Star Observer. Archived from the original on 11 January 2025. Retrieved 24 May 2026.