Some San Francisco Pride, a little bit of Mardi Gras, and just a dash of Vegas glitz...that's the ingredient list for the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras, which kicks off today, February 17, in Sydney Australia. Running for two solid weeks of parties, parades, and glamorous costumery, the global LGBT community comes to this festival ready. to. party.

And just like Vegas, what happens at the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras stays there. Still, keeping a party this great a secret isn’t easy, and every Australian summer, the city hosts the most anticipated lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) event in the world. From a rowdy parade and film festival to day-time dance parties and academic discussions, this celebration is perfect for anyone who likes to have a good time—gay or straight.

The parade starts in Hyde Park and winds its way down Oxford and Flinders streets by way of Taylor Square (a good spot for people-watching) before ending in Moore Park. Stake out a place on the street two or three hours early, and find something to stand on (6-inch heels, anyone?) so you can get a good view. If you don’t like crowds, buy a ticket for the Glamstands, which gives you an elevated seat from where you can take in all the festivities. There are enough over-the-top floats, sexy dancing groups and skimpy costumes that you might mistake this for Rio during Carnival. This is a participatory event, and the audience is full of people decked out in their finest wacky wardrobes. You may think you’re a spectator, but the truth is people are looking at you as well, so come dressed for the part.

Enjoy the vibrant photos our excellent photographer Francesco Vicenzi snapped at last year's event to give you a sense of the party-time madness about to descend upon Sydney. If you want, you can think of these photos as costume inspiration for any other LGBT festivities you plan to attend this year.