Some have said that the turnout for the fake Halloween parade is a good argument that a real one should happen next year in Dublin.
Thousands of people gathered on O’Connell Street on Halloween evening for what is being called a “hoax Halloween parade”.
In the run-up to the night, false reports circulated online stating that a Halloween parade was due to take place on the street and its surrounding areas.
As such, thousands took to the capital’s main thoroughfare, causing Luas services in the city centre to be disrupted over “safety concerns”.
Red Line services are currently not operating from Smithfield to The Point. Green Line services are currently not operating between St Stephen's Green and Dominick. Dublin Bus are accepting all valid tickets for the duration of this disruption. We apologise for any inconvenience…
— Luas (@Luas) October 31, 2024
An eyewitness estimated to JOE that around 5,000-8,000 were in attendance.
Gardaí were also forced to issue the following advisory after the large numbers assembled on O’Connell Street in expectation of a parade:
“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.
“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.”
In a follow-up statement on Friday morning (1 November) after the events, a Garda spokesperson told JOE:
“We have not received any reports of significant incidents overnight, as policing plans were in place to support festivities nationwide.
“Last night was consistent with previous Halloween nights in terms of policing.”
Some have said that the turnout for the fake Halloween parade is a good argument that a real one should happen next year in Dublin.
Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon wrote on social media: “It must be said, the fact a hoax social media account can bring hundreds of people into the city centre for a fake parade, should be seen as a sign that there is an appetite in Dublin for a well-organised annual Halloween Parade.”
It must be said, the fact a hoax social media account can bring hundreds of people into the city centre for a fake parade, should be seen as a sign that their is an appetite in Dublin for a well organised annual Halloween Parade. https://t.co/4J58JlVi8f
— Gary Gannon TD (@GaryGannonTD) October 31, 2024
Main image via Twitter/ArturMartins
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