After a two-year hiatus at the hands of the pandemic, the annual St. Patrick's Day parade is finally back on our calendars this year. It’s set to be a memorable one, as it celebrates the best of Irish arts, culture and heritage in what’s promised to be the parade’s largest and most ambitious spectacle to date.
The theme for 2022 is 'Connections/Naisc’, which aims to unite families, friends, loved ones and communities across Ireland and beyond in celebrating their Irish heritage together. After a couple of particularly challenging years since the last parade, it’s the perfect opportunity to bring together the (80 million strong) Irish global tribe to bond over their shared identity, celebrating all things green through a showcase of contemporary and traditional Irish arts and culture.
This year’s parade has been six months in the works, and the result is a culmination of hundreds of Ireland’s finest performers, musicians, choreographers, designers, engineers and artists delivering a parade that’s set to stun audiences worldwide. We’re set to witness a fresh and bold new vision for both the organisers and audience, with audience interaction, stunning new artistic elements and world-class marching bands promised to delight.
Pageant creators include renowned Irish street artist Aches and choreographer Deirdre Griffin, supported by Kia Ireland - official EV partner to the 2022 parade. For the first time the Festival has an EV partner and the parade will be preceded by a fleet of fully electric EV6 models, recently recognized as Irish Car of the Year 2022.
A natural sponsorship fit, the company's new brand proposition - ‘Movement That Inspires’ reflects how ideas come from movement, and how inspiration is everywhere. Entitled ‘Connect & Inspire’, Aches’ sculptural creation captures life, the concept of change, perspectives and evolution through dancers layered with colour, offering the audience new perspectives and points of inspiration in an immersive experience.
Speaking about his creative process, Aches recalled childhood trips to the Gaeltacht and taking inspiration for this project from evenings spent in the céilí hall ,as people came together to socialise and have fun with dance and music. Similarly, Deirdre Griffin’s choreography delivers dramatic movement of costumes and colours that create a kaleidoscope of colour with each core movement. It’s sure to be a visual treat that can’t be missed.
John C. Reilly has been announced as the International Guest of Honour at the St. Patrick’s Day parade. The American-Irish actor, musician, producer and Academy Award nominee grew up in an Irish-Lithuanian household in Southwest Chicago, in a predominantly Irish neighbourhood. John’s paternal great grandfather, along with various other family members, emigrated in the early 1900s from Ireland and set about building a life in Chicago. Speaking about his role in the parade, John said:
"I am so excited to have been chosen as the International Guest of Honour for Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade this year! It’s been a long time since we have all been able to celebrate life together and I can’t think of a better place to do it than Ireland. I’m honoured to be part of the celebration of the rich history of Ireland with all of the good people in Dublin. A great day for hope and a great day for the Irish and the Irish at heart. See you there!".
He’ll be in good company, as the parade’s Grand Marshals are comprised of two of Ireland’s most inspiring sports stars - Kellie Harrington and Ellen Keane. The Tokyo 2020 Paralympic and Olympic athletes will lead the parade, proving their strength, perseverance and generosity of spirit, representing all who wear their Irishness with pride both at home and abroad, connecting us all as a nation.
The national St. Patrick’s Day parade will make its usual way through the streets of Dublin, at a slightly longer pace as it boasts more participants than ever before this year. Beginning at Parnell Square, it will run down O’Connell street, across the bridge and through the south side of the city, ending at the Cuffe Street/Kevin Street junction. If you’re keen to witness it in person, the parade begins on Thursday 17th March at midday and finishes around 2pm, and no tickets are required to attend. As always, it will be broadcast live on RTÉ, so you can join in at home if you can’t make it in person.
The wider Festival will take place over five days and nights at Festival Quarter on the historic grounds of Collins Barracks in Dublin 7, a magical day-to-night urban festival for all. See www.stpatricksfestival.ie for full programme and details.
