Cork's Dragon of Shandon gets ready to roar back into life for Halloween
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Cork’s famous dragon of Shandon will come out of hiding again tonight for what is fast becoming the city’s best-known Halloween tradition.
The 11m-long monster, crafted by talented local artists, will be seen prowling the streets on Halloween night surrounded by friends that include an entourage of skeletons and terrifying ghouls. She will form part of Cork Community Art Link initiative the Dragon of Shandon Parade 2024.
Some 400 participants from 20 community groups will come together to make the spectacle possible this evening at 7pm, beginning at the iconic Shandon, before weaving its way down into the city centre.
The groups include artists from the French co-operative La Bergerie, Mexicans in Cork, the Kahlyna Ukrainian Choir, and the Cobh Animation Team.
Attendees can also enjoy performances from an impressive line-up of musicians and dance groups, including the French Afro-Soul band Santa Machete, The Cork Butter Exchange Band, Tribe Dance Academy, the Joan Denise Moriarty School of Dance.
The Kabin Studio, and the Cork Community Art Link Drama Troupe will feature, among a host of other acts.
The event will follow months of anticipation and preparation in the dragon’s lair, which is situated in Blackpool village’s former Lido cinema. Spectators are encouraged to embrace the spirit of the dragon by dressing in Halloween-themed attire on the night.
The parade will kick off at Church St, making its way down Shandon St and on to North Main St before turning left on to Castle St for a grand finale at the Coal Quay.
Cork Community Art Link manager Moray Bresnihan said excitement is building for the big night.
“What started off as a cardboard dragon in 2006 has now grown into something really special,” he said.
“The Lido has meant so many different things to so many different people over the years. Older generations in particular love coming in and seeing what has been done with the building. We are having a lot of people call into us off the street and that’s been really nice.
“It’s been amazing to see what people can do when they all come together. One man brings his grandchildren, and they get dressed up and do a float together. There is always that bit of stress but knowing after three months of hard work that this is really going to happen makes it all worthwhile. When it finally comes together it always looks spectacular. It’s like Brazil in the rain.”
While organisers remain tight-lipped about the finer details of festivities, it is hoped that they live up to the success of last year’s event. The 2023 parade, which marked Cork Community Art Link’s 30th birthday, included a birthday cake of gigantic proportions with 30 candles surrounded by bakers and oversized kitchen utensils. A mock newsstand selling The Evil Echo also featured as a team of paper boys led the way.