About Dayenu Coming out Events Contact us Photos Links
  Mardi Gras Reading Lists Counselling Synagogues  

Mardi Gras Festival 2009

The planning has already begun for the 2009 Mardi Gras festival. 2008 was a great one for Dayenu with two articles in the Australian Jewish News as well as coverage on SBS News.
   

Mardi Gras Fair Day and Launch - Sunday 15th February 2009

Dayenu's stall at Fair Day 2008 was very successful with a number of new members signing up. We plan to be there again in 2009, so please come along and visit our stall.

Refer to our photos page for pics of our 2008 stall.
   

Dayenu's Annual Mardi Gras Shabbat Dinner - Friday 6th March 2009

2008's Mardi Gras Shabbat Service and Dinner at Emanuel Synagogue was a great success with guests SONiA (of Disappear Fear) and Sandi DuBrowski (director of "Trembling Before G-d" and producer of "A Jihad for Love".

More details on 2009's Mardi Gras Shabbat Dinner will be added here soon, so please check back here soon.
   

Mardi Gras Parade - Saturday 7th March 2009

Dayenu's entry in 2008's parade consisted of a beautifully-lit Magen David on the back of our ute, along with Ron (our 78er) and Goldie (our drag queen). Dayenu members marched behind the float and were joined by the members of the Jewish Lesbian Group of Victoria (JLGV), Aleph from Melbourne, and youth groups Habonim Dror and Netzer.

We had great coverage with two articles in the Australian Jewish News and a news story on SBS News, which can be viewed here.

Please see our photos page for pics from the 2008 Parade.

Our plans for the 2009 Parade will be posted here soon.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I help build the Dayenu float?

We usually start building our Mardi Gras float at the end of January or beginning of February and we advertise these dates on our Yahoo Group. Float-build nights are great social events too, so please come along and help out. If you are interested in getting involved, please see how to join our Yahoo Group on the contact us page.

I'm not out of the closet, can I still participate?

Many gay and lesbian Dayenu members have not come out to any family or friends (see our coming out page). The Mardi Gras Shabbat Dinner is a private event with mostly Dayenu members and Emanuel Synagogue members attending, so you're not going to out yourself by coming along. However, the Mardi Gras Parade is obviously much more public, with both local and international media coverage.

Please contact us if you have any concerns.

This year's tshirt design

What do I wear in the Parade?

We all wear the official Dayenu t-shirt, which is included in the cost of entry to the Parade. This year's design is shown here. While we recognise the diversity of our members and supporters, it is important that the t-shirt is worn by all so we are seen as a substantial cohesive group. We do not encourage a sleazy look, but accept the need for some members to accessorise. Please email us if you have any concerns. Apart from the t-shirt, we ask that you wear black or dark navy shorts/pants, and recommend comfortable walking shoes.

Are any activities planned as a group after the Parade?

We always try and get a group photo at the end of the Parade, possibly followed by a few casual drinks in Oxford Street. Find out on the night!

I represent a media organisation. Can I get access to the float during the parade?

The Mardi Gras organisation does not allow unauthorised media inside the parade route barriers. To apply for a media pass, contact Mardi Gras and also advise us.