MardiGrass

History and Origin:

• March 1993: Spontaneous demonstration erupted after raids and arrests.
• Nimbin Hemp Embassy organized a peaceful protest on 1 May 1993.
• MardiGrass Organising Body (MOB) manages the event with volunteers.
• Intention to hold MardiGrass annually until prohibition ends.
• Nimbin police station siege occurred in March 1993.
• Bob Hopkins (The Plantem) initiated the idea of MardiGrass.

First MardiGrass Event:

• Rally took place on 1 May 1993 by the local creek.
• A giant joint attracted over a thousand participants to the event.
• Bob Hopkins led the rally dressed as a nun and blowing a tuba.
• Media coverage prevented police from using aggressive force.

Participants, Activities, and Impact:

• People wore colorful clothing with food coloring dye.
• A giant joint made from household items drew townsfolk to the event.
• Media broadcasted images of the event to the country and world.
• MardiGrass gained attention for its unique and peaceful protest approach.
• Bob Hopkins channeled the spirit of the Plantem during the event.

Legacy and Future of MardiGrass:

• MardiGrass became an annual event with the V for victory sign.
• The event aimed to continue until the end of the war on cannabis.
• MardiGrass continues to be held annually in Nimbin.
• The event attracts participants from various backgrounds.
• The peaceful protest approach remains a key aspect of MardiGrass.

Organizational Aspects:

• Bob Hopkins vowed to hold MardiGrass annually until the war on cannabis ended.
• Volunteers play a crucial role in organizing and managing MardiGrass.
• MardiGrass aims to raise awareness about cannabis prohibition.

MardiGrass Data Sources