This is the biggest festival of the year in Waterford, a city that plays host to several excellent events each year. From the beginning a feature of Spraoi (meaning ‘fun’) has been the large number of events which are free, there is no entrance charge for the vast majority of events.
Almost all of the action takes place on the streets and if you are visiting Waterford during Sproai you won’t have to go looking for it – it’ll find you, it’s everywhere. It certainly lives up to it’s billing as a festival of street theatre.
The rather wonderfully named SprÓg (óg is Irish for young) is a children’s festival running alongside the main event, with a fantastic programme of arts and science themed activities, as well as a number of street events. As well as street spectacle there is loads of music, much of it taking place along the quay in Waterford’s city centre.
The opening parade on Friday night is justly famous, with upwards of 40,000 people lining a 1.5km route through the city to watch hundreds of costumed performers, exotic floats, live music and special-effects that takes at least three months to prepare. Spectacular is an appropriate word here. After the parade hang around for an always great fireworks display.
Date and details for 2023 subject to confirmation.
Spraoi
Welcome to Spraoi, award winning, professional street arts company
Congratulations to Waterford Credit Union and City of Waterford Brass who won Best Community Entry award for this year’s Waterford St. Patricks Day Parade. Their award was presented by Mayor of Waterford, Councillor John O’Leary. The Credit Union’s honeycomb float was designed by the creative team at Spraoi Studios, as were the band’s bee-themed costumes.
The post Waterford Credit Union Winners...
Spraoi was delighted to be commissioned by Tipperary County Council to perform at the official opening of Clonmel’s stunning new Kickham Barracks Plaza. Spraoi’s friends and colleagues Wobbly Circus, Maria Corcoran and WAMA Drummers animated the plaza and offered invited guests a preview of how it will become a vibrant outdoor venue in the months
The post Spraoi Clonmel Performances appeared fi...
Snail’s Tale by Wexford artists Caoimhe Dunn and Dominic Palmer received its Dublin premiere during this year’s St. Patrick’s Festival. Spraoi’s Mentoring+ programme supported and guided the production’s development over an extended period. It has been fantastic to witness two talented creators progress Snail’s Tale from an idea first presented the ISACS and Culture Ireland
The post Snail’s Tal...
Here’s a look at some of the action from 2013 to give you an idea of what to expect, though obviously there are different performers each year:
Visitor Information and Map for Spraoi
No particular venue information is needed – esentially just show up in Waterford, wander around and enjoy! Some children’s events do need prior booking however – see website for details.
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