More than 40,000 people are expected to line Galway's city centre streets to see Port Na bPucaí - The Song of the Spirits, the 2017 Macnas Halloween Parade, which will wind it's way through the streets on Sunday October 29 at 5.30pm.
The parade, which is the largest free event in the west of Ireland, will be overseen by a trio of women. The parade creative director is Orla Clogher; musical direction is by Orlagh deBhaldraithe; while costume design is by Cherie White. The parade will also include the work of the Macnas creative ensemble, comprised of 45 professional artists and 300 volunteers, supported by Macnas CEO/artistic director Noeline Kavanagh.
The theme for Port Na bPucaí is the Irish Wake and through such signature creations as Macnas giants, sculptural images, pyrotechnics, bespoke costumes, epic performances, and original music, it will tell the story of an old man from the islands as he makes his way from this world to the next. The performers will be drawn from including members of Youth Ballet West, Young Macnas, The Hit Machine, and others. The exact parade route will be announced in the coming week.
