HISTORY
"Spraoi" A Gaelic word meaning 'celebrate' or 'party'
"Spraoi" 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 93! Decision made! Print the poster!

There came an idea back in 1993 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 twelve of 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 it's most ambitious project to date - the construction of it's own studios, which is 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 moved into it's new home at Carrickpherish, Waterford, in January 2003.

The annual Spraoi Festival takes over the city centre for the entire August Bank Holiday weekend and in 2005 attracted audiences in excess of 80,000 people. The August Bank Weekend has now become, in Waterford and beyond, the Spraoi Weekend. It is an outdoor festival, concentrating 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 400 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. In January 2005 the company staged it's biggest and most prestigious production to date, "Awakening", the Opening Show for Cork 2005 European Capital of Culture.