Dublin: Chaos as thousands turn out for AI ‘hoax’ Halloween parade that didn’t exist

On By Littum

Thousands of people lined the streets of Dublin, eagerly awaiting a Halloween parade through the city center – but it never arrived.

The decked-out Dubliners had been fooled by a listing on an AI-generated website based in Pakistan advertising the spooky festival before news of it quickly spread online.

The My Spirit Halloween website falsely advertised that the Macnas Halloween Parade would take place from 7pm to 9pm, with interest to see the news ranking on Google.

Hundreds of people are waiting for the non-existent parade
Hundreds of people are waiting for the non-existent parade (@peterfarrelly/TikTok)

But as thousands appeared to turn up to line the route from Parnell Street to Christchurch Cathedral, it slowly became clear to those waiting that there was no event.

Peter Farrelly recorded video from his window of the crowds gathering on O’Connell Street, leaving room along the road for the fake Halloween parade.

Thousands flocked to Dublin city center to watch the parade that never was
Thousands flocked to Dublin city center to watch the parade that never was (Artur Martins/PA Wire)

He told The Independent: “It was fun. We’re still smiling now. It took about an hour from the start time for people

“Gardaí were trying to clear the street. It was also the Diwali festival last night so a lot of people were out on the street as well.”

The situation forced The Gardaí to send a message to those waiting on O’Connell Street to “disperse safely”.

A spokesman said: “Please note that contrary to information being circulated online, there is no Halloween parade planned in Dublin city center this evening or tonight.

“Anyone gathered on O’Connell Street in anticipation of such a parade is asked to disperse safely.”

One attendee said on X: “People waiting for a Halloween parade. No Gardaí around, no official announcement, people waiting on the wrong side of the road… Someone pulled a big hoax.”

Another replied: “The real lesson to be learned here is that a lot of people would definitely attend a Halloween parade and Dublin City Council should organize one next year.”

Hundreds line up at O'Connell Street for the fake Halloween parade
Hundreds line O’Connell Street for the fake Halloween parade (@peterfarrelly/TikTok)

Sinn Fein councilor Janice Boylan said he described the situation as “really sad”.

She added: “Everyone is trying to have a fun and safe Halloween. Having a parade to go to sounded really good. I know a lot of people turned up. It’s a terrible shame.”

The My Spirit Halloween listing appeared to have been removed on Friday morning. The site curates Halloween events around the globe.

Award-winning performing arts group Macnas have held an annual Halloween parade in Dublin since 2013, with last year’s parade seeing witches, zombie dancers and wolves mingle down Capel Street.

It was the first Halloween parade after a four-year break due to lockdown – but there were no plans for one in 2024.