Macnas returns this year with a special feature and Galway locals are in for the biggest surprise yet. Unfortunately, the Annual Macnas Parade is not going ahead this year, but will be making a special long-awaited return for 2023; locals and non-locals are waiting excitedly for what’s in store then.
However, Macnas weren’t going to leave locals with nothing to look forward to this year; they are introducing us to ‘Con Mór’the giant which will be displayed at Macnas headquarters which is located in Fisheries Field on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th October from 12 noon to eight p.m. There is no age limit to who can see the big and friendly giant; meaning children and adults can pay a visit and snap some pictures of the structure.
Artistic director, Noeline Kavanagh said “This year we are inviting the public to see Con Mór at Fisheries Field, our home in the centre of Galway city, where he will be for forty-eight hours only. It’s a rave, it’s a pilgrimage, it’s the bank holiday weekend. There will be pop-up performances on site across the two days and we’re also encouraging you to bring your feathers and messages of hope.
“For fans, devotees and lovers of another great Macnas tradition, the Halloween parade of Macnas will reclaim the streets of Galway next year during October 2023 and we can’t wait.”
The giant will not be the only form of entertainment during the bank holiday weekend, but Macnas Drummers, Macnas Brass, Macnas Youth Theatre and Macnas Stilt Ensemble will be performing during the two days.
Visitors are also being encouraged to bring any type of feather; big or small, solid or multi-coloured to the giant with a note attached to the feather; a message of hope for the future. The message should also include your name, age and where you live. A rather brilliant idea for generations both old and new to give them some hope after the gruelling pandemic we have all been through, these messages will give heir to a new sense of positivity and happiness in Galway and what better way to feel right before Halloween.
