The Macnas parade is a highlight on the Galway events calendar and sees the city fill up with locals and visitors from farther afield, all hoping to get a piece of the action.
Taking place Sunday, October 27, over 70,000 people are expected to attend. Hard to believe Galway’s cobbles can support so many feet.
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Performers and organisers are no doubt busy putting the finishing touches on costumes and floats, both of which are highlights of the goings-on each year. Dazzling light displays, fog, music, fire, performance…just some of the impressive things to expect.
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This year’s parade, titled ‘Danse Macabre’, will kick off at 5:30 p.m., leaving from Macnas’ home on the NUI Galway campus. Curiosity, fear, grief and laughter will follow the floats as they roam around the heart of the City of Tribes.
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Drawing inspiration from the legend of Gilgamesh, a tale which inspired the likes of Cú Chulainn and Fionn Mac Cumhaill, ‘Danse Macabre’ tells the story of the tyrannical king Gilgamesh (part God, part human). Theatrics and drama to boot, not to mention love, loss and adventure.
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The work of the Macnas Creative Ensemble, the whole show is curated by 45 professional artists and 300 volunteers. Previous parades are a testament to the craftsmanship and talent involved in putting together such a spectacle.
And I for one can’t wait to see what’s in store for this year.
