Spraoi, the award-winning Irish performance company, created a vibrant street performance as part of the Carlow Arts Festival 2018.
This year’s Carlow Arts Festival was another celebration of the many extraordinary riches the arts had to offer. From national and international artists. One of them was an amazing performance on the streets of Carlow.
Spraoi (pron. “spree”) is a festival of international street theatre and world music.
That takes place for three days each August in the Irish city of Waterford. The festival takes its name from the Gaelic word spraoi, or play. The Waterford Spraoi has taken place each summer since 1992 and is now the largest festival event in Waterford. The main activity is centered on two main stages located in John Roberts Square and William Vincent Wallace Plaza. Where various acts have been hosted including the Royal Drummers of Burundi and the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain. As well as more contemporary bands and musicians.
The Spraoi is a professional event that is also supported by more than 300 volunteers. The festival attracts an audience of over 80,000. To see events in music, art installations, storytelling, circus skills workshops, science, and others.
The Spraoi Parade is now a landmark cultural event, one of the largest outdoor arts events in Ireland.
It’s mesmerizing, astonishing, and exciting, a combination of giant creations, props, and over 300 costumed performers. Spraoi International Festival Waterford has been running for over 20 years and continues to amaze spectators each year.
This year was the first show in Carlow. I love to watch the parades and the Spraoi Parade was really magical.
So Saturday night spectacle began at Carlow Town Hall and ended at Festival HQ at St. Patrick’s Carlow College. And fabulous birds hit Carlow streets as the light wanes. Then bringing the town to witness R.S.A.G…. and Fireworks at the Festival HQ. Birds celebrate nature and river life with a combustible mix of music, stunning floats, and energetic performance. Leaders in Irish street arts, Spraoi showcased local talent as part of this celebratory performance.
I made a video (you can find it on my YouTube channel).
Below you will find the photos from this amazing performance.
