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The History of Spraoi

"Spraoi" : a Gaelic word meaning "celebrate" or "party"


Not only did the meaning of the word perfectly describe the very essence of what Spraoi was to become, but it also rhymed perfectly with the first festival in 93! Decision made! Print the poster!

The idea back in 1993 was simply  to have some fun and perhaps a little madness on a Summer Sunday. This initial idea materialized as a one-day event, held on the streets of Waterford city. It was so successful that the idea grew; perhaps it could become an annual summer festival in Waterford? Thus began it all. And what has since developed is one of Ireland leading arts company's; Spraoi. Now, with over sixteen years work in the area of spectacle, outdoor theatre, event management and festival production, Spraoi has amassed a vast wealth of specialist skills and experience.

In 2002 the company embarked on an ambitious project  - to construct it's own studios, the first purpose built building in Ireland dedicated solely to the development of street art. With the support and assistance of the Arts Council of Ireland, Waterford City Council, other grants and public donations, Spraoi achieved this dream, and moved into it's new and permanent home at Carrickpherish, Waterford, in January 2003.

 

 

 

Spraoi is perhaps best known for the annual Spraoi Festival which takes over the city centre of Waterford for the entire August Bank Holiday weekend, and which now attracts audiences in excess of 80,000 people to the city.  To the extent that there is no longer an August Bank Weekend in Waterford, it's now more commonly known as "The Spraoi Weekend".   Spraoi concentrates on showcasing top quality national and international street art and world music. Spraoi's own production, The Spraoi Parade, is now a major highlight of the annual festival, involving approximately 300 participants, with large scale floats, costumes, props, lighting and special effects.

Spraoi productions continue to go from strength to strength and the company is regularly commissioned to produce high outdoor theatre and spectacle for many of Ireland's leading events.  The company was commissioned to produce the Opening Show for Cork 2005 European Capital of Culture. The resulting show,  "Awakening", took place on the River Lee, and was performed in front of  a massive audience along the riverside in Cork City, while also being broadcast live on television