Cork set to be fired up by giant dragon in Halloween parade
And as the Dragon of Shandon Parade coincides with the conclusion of the city’s Jazz Festival, there will be a distinct jazzy flavour to the night-time parade. The 11m-long dragon will weave its way down Shandon St and along the city’s historic spine from 7.30pm, followed by an entourage of more than 500 scary beasts and misfits celebrating the ancient Samhain tradition.
The New York Brass Band will be among the participating groups, alongside members of the Joan Denise Moriarty School of Dance, Camara Capoeira, Cork City Samba, and others.
Road closures and diversions will be in place as the parade passes over North Gate Bridge, through North Main St and along Castle St, Cornmarket St, and Kyle St before rejoining North Main St and proceeding back to Shandon.
A temporary traffic closure will be in effect on Grattan St, Kyle St, Cornmarket St, and Castle St between 8pm and 9pm to facilitate the parade.
A collaborative project between artists, community groups, and organisations, the parade is the result of 12 months of hard work facilitated by Cork Community Art Link (CCAL).
“We hope to entertain, amuse, astound, and ultimately inspire you to engage in the culture of this wonderful city while celebrating the ancient tradition of Samhain,” said a spokesperson.
CCAL moved to a new workspace at the former LIDO cinema in Blackpool earlier this year following a 10-year quest to find a permanent home.
“We want this building to become a focal point for community arts practice and innovation in Cork,” said CCAL’s artistic director, William Frode de la Foret.
