The Outing brought vibrant colour to Dublin’s St Patrick’s Day Parade on Monday, March 17. The queer arts collective boasted a wonderful Rainbow Pageant showcase, under the theme ‘An Adventure of Love’.
The disco ball-inspired float featured DJ Ruth and the ever-dazzling drag star Regina George, offering a lively atmosphere filled with music and joy. The words ‘Equality’ and ‘Love’ were also on display, as participants wore sparkly and colourful outfits topped with love heart accessories.
Marching with The Outing in Dublin’s St Patrick’s Day Parade were representatives from Belong To LGBTQ+ Youth Ireland, the LGBT Parents Group, students from SEDA College Dublin and a dedicated team of volunteers and performers. The group brought Creative Director Eddie McGuinness’ imaginative vision to life, transforming the streets into a colourful journey of love and acceptance.
Speaking ahead of the occasion, McGuinness said: “We are excited to showcase the strength and beauty of our community through art and celebration…This event is not just about pride; it’s about love in all its forms.”
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The Outing joined six other large-scale pageants in the parade, alongside six showpieces and 12 marching bands from across Ireland, North America and Australia. There were over 4,000 participants, as approximately 500,000 people were expected to take to the capital city for the annual celebration.
The theme for Dublin’s parade this year was ‘Adventures’ or ‘Eachtraí’ as Gaeilge, with organisers saying it represents “the unique essence of Ireland and of Irish people”. The march started at Parnell Square North, and travelled down O’Connell Street and West Moreland Street, before turning onto Dame Street and finishing at Kevin Street Lower. The streets were lined with spectators along the whole route, who cheered as each participant went past.
The Grand Marshal was actor Victoria Smurfit, who said it was an “incredible honour” to be part of the event. Michael D Higgins also attended for the last time as president, before his term in office ends in November. Before the parade got underway, he thanked the people of Ireland for being “wonderful, generous and so supportive,” adding that being president “has been a wonderful privilege”.
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