Spraoi's spooky Samhain procession takes to the streets this Friday in Waterford City
Spraoi Scathanna Parade 2023. Photo: Joe Evans
Spraoi spectacle creators return to Waterford streets this Friday, October 25, with the ‘Dearg Due’ Fire and Shadows procession.
This year’s procession is inspired by a unique piece of Waterford folklore, the legend of ‘Dearg Due’
The Dearg Due, or Dearg Dur, literally translates as Red Thirst or Red Bloodsucker. Said to be a young woman that lived two millennia ago, the Dearg Due was once the daughter of a nobleman in Waterford. She was loved by all the villagers and commoners in the area. Kind, smart, and incredibly beautiful, the Dearg Due was famous across the country.
What happened to her next, however, made her infamous!
The procession will commence at approximately 7.30pm, adjacent to the Irish Wake Museum in Waterford’s Viking Triangle, before it proceeds with its audience towards the city centre.
Spectators can meet at the start point in Cathedral Square to join Spraoi on the journey through the city.
A festival spokesperson said: "We would love to see you in Halloween costumes. Let’s make a new tradition together."
This will be Spraoi’s only Waterford performance over the Halloween weekend.
The event will mark the launch of a weekend of Samhain seasonal celebrations in Waterford City, presented by Waterford City and County Council in partnership with Fáilte Ireland.
