The 2012 St. Patrick’s Festival Parade in Dublin will have a scientific theme to mark Dublin City of Science 2012.

Click here to watch the Parade Live on March 17th!

The pageant companies have all responded to a scientifically focused creative brief and will present a world class pageant piece in their own inimitable style. The science themed parade will meander down the streets of Dublin in an explosion of colour and intrigue on March 17th.

HOW? WHAT? WHY? is the theme for the 2012 St. Patrick’s Festival Parade which will explore the wonder and curiosity of science.  A selection of science related questions that children may ask have been explored by Ireland’s leading pageant companies who each will present their imaginative, colourful and thought provoking creations.

The sense of discovery, wonder and amazement of science will truly come alive in spectacular style on the streets of Dublin this St. Patrick’s Day.

THE SCIENCE RELATED QUESTIONS BEING EXPLORED ARE:

1. How do you tell the age of a forest?
2. Why do we dream?
3. How is a rainbow formed?
4. What makes the weather change?
5. How do our senses work?
6. What lives beneath the sea?
7. How is electricity made?
8. If the earth is spinning why don’t we fall off?

Marching ensembles from around the globe will provide the musical score for the festival parade.  Bands from Ireland, Northern Ireland, the United Kingdom and Russia will join U.S. bands from California, Georgia, Indiana, Missouri, North Carolina, Texas and Washington to march through the streets of the capital.

Parade Route
The Parade begins on Parnell Square and continues on to O’Connell Street and over O’Connell Bridge to Westmoreland Street.  It then winds it’s way down Dame Street and Lord Edward Street passes by Christchurch Cathedral and along Patrick Street where it finishes just past St. Patrick’s Cathedral.