Knysna Visitor Information : Knysna Tourism

The Pink Loerie Mardi Gras
1 - 5 May 2013
The glizty, gorgeous and glamorous will don their fairy wings and feather boas and flutter down to Knysna at the end of April for the Pink Loerie Mardi Gras, the premier event on Knysna’s gay and lesbian calendar.

Now in its 13th year, the Pink Loerie Mardi Gras is one of the highlights on South Africa’s gay and lesbian events calendar and the only carnival of its kind in Africa.

There’s a multitude of entertainment scheduled that will keep the party alive throughout the festival. Regardless of what shade of pink you are, even if you’re just a little puce, there’s bound to be something to keep you stimulated – fine art, fine wine, fine dining, the finest musicians and DJs…and some very fine boys and girls too.

Among the many highlights of this Knysna gay festival is the Mardi Gras Street Parade, taking place on 30 April 2012 from mid-afternoon, followed by the Mardi Gras prize-giving immediately afterward.

The Pink Loerie Mardi Gras has its serious side too. It was started, in part, to create awareness about HIV/Aids as well as to foster an understanding about gay and lesbian issues.

In this the festival has been a fantastic success, nurturing tolerance and creating awareness both locally and throughout Southern Africa. In accordance with there goals, the Mardi Gras will offer free HIV testing and counselling during the festival.

The Pink Loerie Mardi Gras is a colourful delight for the open-minded so grab your stilettos and get down to the mother of all parties.

What’s new: The Pink Loerie Village: ane area with lounges and booths where Pink Loerie attendees can simply hang out. Various liquor companies will be promoting their products here.

History: The Pink Loerie Mardi Gras started 13 years ago and is the first and only Mardi Gras festival on the African continent. It is also one of the biggest parties in the country.

For more information visit the Pink Loerie Mardi Gras website: www.pinkloerie.co.za.