Waterford becomes a world stage for Spraoi 2026
Roisin McGoldrick, with Morbid & Sons, who performed at Spraoi. Photo: Joe Evans
Waterford Spraoi 2026 came to a thrilling close last night with yet another magnificent parade and spectacular fireworks display.
This year’s parade theme was the wolf and aptly titled Howl.
Giant wolves floated down the street, sheep scattered and pigs revolted. It was amazing.
Particularly entertaining touches included an army of Little Red Riding Hoods and a nod to the Wolf of Wall Street.
The festival was closed out with a fantastic fireworks display over the Suir accompanied by cheering crowds.
This weekend, Waterford became a world stage.
Over the three days of Spraoi, dancers, aerial displays, theatre and more from Waterford and beyond filled the streets over three days.
Acts came from an incredible 12 countries.
Some (but certainly not all) of the highlights of the weekend included the deadly Morbid and Sons by Waterford’s-own Curious State captivated a sizeable crowd at Constitution Square with Morbid and Sons on days two and three.
Shape of the Sky by Taking Flight performed an incredible seven shows over Saturday and Sunday.
Bamboo just about made their final show in a break in the rain, which followed two other spectacular displays by No Fit State Circus.
But what a Their final show on Sunday was foiled by the rain, but with so many beautiful performances this weekend, that isn’t likely the thing to stick in anyone’s mind.
Um Belo Dia, Tutti In Vallgia and Wave Around the World got the crowds, the children in particular, going and breathed life into the festival, especially on the first day.
And, we can say with confidence that Dawns Dawns Dawns, who enchanted the children, will inspire a whole new generation of dancers.
Death from Laughter was a complete mystery going in.
All anyone said was that, under no circumstances do you take photos or video and that it was brilliant.
We can confirm both of those things are true.
Death from Laughter is a play about three clowns trying to deal with an unfortunate case of a woman who dies from laughter at one of their shows. Chaos issues!
And that is all I can say on the matter.
Spraoi 2026 took place between Friday, July 31 and Sunday, August 2.
