Dublin in chaos as hundreds flock to city centre for festival that doesn’t exist

Dublin’s city centre plunged into turmoil as scores descended for an alleged Halloween parade that never materialised. Misinformation spread by My Spirit Halloween advertised a non-existent Macnas Halloween Parade march between 7pm and 9pm, erroneously suggesting it would roll out from Parnell Street and wind up at Christchurch Cathedral.

This hoax led to swathes of individuals converging on the area. Despite various activities scheduled around Dublin, there was no official word of a Macnas Halloween event listed on the Dublin City Council’s site tonight. Eyewitness accounts came flooding in, with one observational report from Léna Scao to Dublin Live: “The bus drivers were going crazy with all the people on the road.”

She further added, “The Gardai announced there was no Halloween parade. There were people everywhere, and the bus and tram drivers were going mad honking non stop so they could pass.”

In O’Connell Street, videos captured a significant throng amassing, significantly impeding buses. The Gardai intervened online to dispel any notions of a parade, reports The Mirror.

Their Facebook message was clear: “Please be advised that contrary to information being circulated online, no Halloween parade is scheduled to take place in Dublin City Centre this evening or tonight. All those gathered on O’Connell Street at present, in expectation of such a parade are asked to please disperse safely.”

They also reassured the public of their presence: “Should you need our help or assistance, we are out on the beat along O’Connell Street and surrounding areas throughout this evening and tonight – please do not hesitate to stop and speak with us.”

Dublin was left in chaotic confusion as hundreds gathered for a phantom Halloween parade that never materialised. One bewildered local vented on social media: “People waiting for a Halloween parade. No Gardaí around, no official announcement, people waiting on the wrong side of the road…Someone did pull a big hoax.”

Adding fuel to the fire, another person remarked: “I’d say whoever started that fake Halloween parade rumour in Dublin is cracking up laughing about the number of people who showed up. Hilarious.”

Sinn Fein councillor Janice Boylan weighed in on the debacle, pointing out: “It seems to be an online scam. It’s really sad to see that people are being scammed.”

She spoke sympathetically of those deceived by the hoax: “Everyone is trying to have a fun and safe Halloween. Having a parade to go to sounded really good. I know an awful lot of people turned up. It’s a terrible pity there are people out there who are trying to scam people.”

Last year, Galway arts company Macnas dazzled with parades in Galway city and Dublin, yet this year, no whispers of a Dublin spectacle had been officially announced.