Spraoi marks its 33rd year this year. Visitors can expect a diverse programme of free street performances, including contemporary circus, dance, music, comedy, and street theatre, featuring artists from Ireland and around the world.
A key highlight is the Spraoi Parade on Sunday, 3 August, starting at 9:30pm from Johnstown and concluding at the Quays by 10:45pm, where nearly 200 costumed performers, dramatic floats, live music, and special effects will create a spectacle for an estimated 25,000 spectators. The 2025 parade theme, yet to be announced, will follow the imaginative style of previous years, such as 2024’s “Cavalcade of Curious Creatures,” featuring mythological beasts and hybrid creations. Additional events include SprÓg, a children’s festival running alongside the main programme, offering arts and science-themed activities, street events, and workshops suitable for families.
The festival also hosts DIVE#3, in collaboration with Circostrada, Europe’s leading circus and street performance network, bringing delegates and programmers to Waterford to engage with emerging artists through the NEST programme. Performances, including a new street dance piece by Waterford choreographer Rachel Ní Bhraonáin, will take place across venues like the Cultural Quarter on O’Connell Street, Wyse Park, and Adelphi Quay, with daily events from lunchtime to late evening. A fireworks display over the River Suir will close the festival on Sunday night. Visitors can explore Waterford’s medieval heritage, including the Viking Triangle, Waterford Crystal, or nearby attractions like the Waterford Greenway and seaside towns such as Tramore, with accommodation available at hotels like the Fitzwilton or Treacys.
Founded in 1993 by a group of local artists and volunteers, the Spraoi Festival was established to celebrate Waterford’s cultural heritage through street arts, taking its name from the Irish word for “fun.” Initially a modest event, it has grown into Ireland’s premier street arts festival, attracting nearly 100,000 visitors annually and earning praise from outlets like The Guardian for its inclusive, community-driven atmosphere.
The festival’s professional arm, Spraoi Studios, collaborates with volunteers to produce the iconic parade, blending local creativity with international talent. Supported by Waterford City and County Council, Fáilte Ireland, and the Arts Council, it has become a cornerstone of the August bank holiday. TV Honan, the current director, has guided the festival for over a decade, fostering partnerships like the NEST programme and mentoring initiatives with Waterford County Council for events such as the Samhain Parades. His leadership has maintained the festival’s commitment to free, accessible performances while expanding its international reach, as seen in collaborations with global street arts networks.
The 2025 festival, marking its 33rd year, will continue to offer a family-friendly experience, with all events free and designed to appeal across generations. Visitors are encouraged to check www.spraoi.com for programme updates, expected in early summer, and to book accommodation early due to high demand. The festival’s blend of local and global artistry, set against Waterford’s historic backdrop, ensures a distinctive cultural experience.
