Chaos in Dublin as thousands turn out for AI ‘fake’ Halloween parade that never existed

Thousands of people lined the streets of Dublin eagerly anticipating a Halloween Parade through downtown—but it never came.

Dressed-up Dubliners have been fooled by a listing on an AI-generated website based in Pakistan that announced the spooky festival before word of it quickly spread online.

The My Spirit Halloween website falsely advertised that the Macnas Halloween Parade would be held between 7pm and 9pm, with interest to see the news on Google.

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

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

he said Independent: “It was funny. We’re still smiling now. It took about an hour from the start time for people

“The guard was trying to clear the street. It was also the Diwali festival last night, so many people were also on the street.”

The situation forced gardaí to issue a message for those waiting on O’Connell Street to “disperse to safety”.

A spokesman said: “Please be advised that, contrary to information circulating online, there is no Halloween parade scheduled to take place in Dublin city center tonight or tonight.

“All those gathered on O’Connell Street in anticipation of such a parade are asked to disperse safely.”

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

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

Sinn Fein councilor Janice Boylan said the situation was “very 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 showed up. It is a terrible sin.”

The My Spirit Halloween listing appears to have been removed Friday morning. The site organizes Halloween events around the globe.

Award-winning performing arts group Macnas have been organizing an annual Halloween parade in Dublin since 2013, and last year’s parade saw witches, zombie dancers and wolves prowling Capel Street.

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