Tag Archives: giant puppets

When the Dragon Roared Through Cork’s Streets

A massive illuminated dragon skull head with glowing blue interior and silver-painted skeletal texture towers over North Main Street, Cork, during the Dragon of Shandon parade at night, with a pink and orange striped van, King Fadez shop, colourful murals and crowds visible below.
Large white skeletal dragon puppet structure with illuminated interior passes white curved building during Dragon of Shandon parade on North Main Street Cork at night with dense crowds lining the route and light trails from passing vehicles
Crowds line Castle Street Cork outside Mannix shop watching massive white skeletal dragon puppet pass during Dragon of Shandon parade at night with spectators filming on phones
Wide-angle view of enormous white skeletal dragon structure on wheeled platform surrounded by dense crowds on Castle Street Cork during Dragon of Shandon parade at night with buildings and scaffolding visible in background
Young person in red and black striped costume with zombie makeup and holding knife poses dramatically in foreground whilst crowds of spectators line Cornmarket Street Cork watching Dragon of Shandon parade at night
Spectator crouches to take selfie with parade participant in red and black striped zombie costume holding plastic knife on wet Cornmarket Street Cork pavement during Dragon of Shandon parade at night with crowds visible behind
Wide shot of massive white skeletal dragon puppet on wheeled platform surrounded by crowds, parade marshals in hi-vis vests, and barriers on Cornmarket Street Cork at night with autumn tree and period buildings illuminated in background during Dragon of Shandon parade

Right, so let’s talk about the absolute star of Cork’s Dragon of Shandon parade—the massive skeletal dragon that dominated the streets and created that perfect mix of ancient mythology and contemporary street theatre that defines this extraordinary event.

The parade really is a spectacular event, and the dragon brings up the rear with ominous music and a rider on top. It’s really quite a sight to see!


Apertureƒ/5.6
CameraILCE-7RM5
Focal length24mm
ISO1000
Shutter speed1/10s

The Marionette Masters of North Main Street

Close-up of towering female puppet figure with elaborate theatrical makeup, ornate costume details including skeletal hand design and flowing golden dress, during the Dragon of Shandon parade on North Main Street, Cork, at night with building windows visible behind.
Wide view of Dragon of Shandon parade on North Main Street, Cork, showing participants in Victorian costumes manipulating puppets on strings, pink and orange striped van, large green dragon decoration overhead, elaborate tall female puppet figure on right, and King Fadez shop with colourful murals in background under string lights at night.
Motion-blurred close-up photograph of Dragon of Shandon parade participant in top hat and theatrical vampire-style makeup manipulating marionette strings with spectator visible on right on North Main Street, Cork, at night.
Tall elaborate female puppet figure in golden dress with ornate theatrical makeup and headdress being manipulated by performers in black with burgundy sashes during Dragon of Shandon parade on North Main Street, Cork, under string lights at night, with the King Fadez shop visible in background.

Who’s pulling the strings?


Apertureƒ/5.6
CameraILCE-7RM5
Focal length24mm
ISO5000
Shutter speed1/50s

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