Hundreds flocked to Dublin city centre on Thursday night for a Halloween parade that turned out to be a hoax. It’s believed a website, designed to attract ad revenue, spread false information about the event. Photos shared online show large crowds lining O’Connell Street, eagerly awaiting the parade’s arrival – but without any police or event staff present.
Gardaí (Irish police) released a statement confirming there was no scheduled Halloween parade and urged those who turned up to “disperse safely”.
The size of the gathering briefly disrupted the Luas tram network, with services on the Red and Green lines out of operation for about 30 minutes.
Bertie Brosnan, a social media content creator and filmmaker, went to livestream the supposed event.
“I looked at the website and thought it was legit,” he told BBC News NI.
“I was duped.”
Knowing what to look for, Mr. Brosnan quickly realised the parade wasn’t happening. “Because parades usually have barricades, security, police, and some kind of organisation,” he said, adding, “There was none of that, just enormous amounts of people.”
Upon seeing Mr. Brosnan’s livestream on TikTok, Martin Meany quickly realized something wasn’t right. The excessive number of advertisements on the website’s homepage alerted him. He noted that the website, largely comprised of AI-generated news for ad revenue, targeted searchers online who were looking for a Dublin parade, as there was no pre-existing content about it.
“[People] saw their opportunity and took it,” Mr. Meany said, urging online users to “be extremely critical of the media they are consuming and engaging with.”
Hashel Thilanka was another individual who gathered on O’Connell Street, disappointed by the no-show event.
He said, “I was really looking forward to it,” and shared his frustration about the lack of verification regarding the event’s authenticity.
Mr. Thilanka spent an hour waiting before Gardaí informed him of its cancellation.
Interview: Time.news Editor Interviews Event Planning Expert on the Dublin Halloween Parade Hoax
Editor: Welcome to Time.news, where we explore the stories that matter. Today, we’re joined by Dr. Emily Quinn, an expert in event planning and public engagement, to discuss the recent Halloween parade hoax in Dublin. Dr. Quinn, thank you for being here.
Dr. Quinn: Thank you for having me. It’s a fascinating, albeit troubling, topic to discuss.
Editor: Absolutely. So, to start, can you give us a brief overview of what happened during the Halloween parade in Dublin?
Dr. Quinn: Certainly. On Thursday night, many people gathered in Dublin city center, drawn in by a website that falsely advertised a Halloween parade. The site, seemingly designed for ad revenue, spread incorrect information that the event was taking place. As a result, hundreds of people congregated on O’Connell Street, eagerly waiting for a parade that was never scheduled. There were no police or event staff present, leading to confusion and disappointment.
Editor: It’s remarkable to see how misinformation can mobilize such a large crowd. What do you think motivated the creators of that website to promote this false event?
Dr. Quinn: Unfortunately, the internet provides numerous avenues for generating ad revenue, often without accountability. In this case, it’s likely that the creators saw an opportunity to attract views and clicks, leveraging the popularity of Halloween to gain attention and profit—regardless of the consequences. It highlights a growing trend of misinformation online, particularly around events that can easily capture public interest.
Editor: It seems like a perfect storm for misinformation. What could have been done to prevent this situation from spiraling out of control?
Dr. Quinn: A multi-faceted approach is essential. First, official event organizers must ensure clear and prominent communication through trustworthy channels. Social media platforms also have a role to play by monitoring and addressing misleading content. Moreover, community engagement, where trusted local figures encourage attendees to verify information before joining large gatherings, can empower individuals to discern fact from fiction.
Editor: That’s a proactive approach. How about the role of law enforcement? The Gardaí released a statement confirming there was no parade. Do you think there should have been additional measures in place?
Dr. Quinn: The Gardaí’s prompt response is commendable and necessary in instances like this. However, it’s crucial for law enforcement to have preemptive strategies, especially in high-traffic areas during popular festivities. They can monitor online trends and establish guidelines for quickly addressing potential hoaxes—this would help mitigate the risks of large crowds gathering for non-existent events.
Editor: Great points. Looking at this incident, what can we learn about public gatherings and our reliance on digital information?
Dr. Quinn: This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of critical thinking and media literacy. People need to be encouraged to verify information through multiple sources before reacting. It’s vital for us to cultivate a culture that values accuracy over sensationalism, especially in an age where social media can amplify falsehoods rapidly.
Editor: Well said, Dr. Quinn. Before we wrap up, do you have any final thoughts or advice for those planning to attend public events in the future?
Dr. Quinn: Absolutely! Always check official sources for event details—whether it’s a city website, local news, or the organizers’ social media. Encourage your friends and family to do the same, and stay informed about any local guidelines or announcements. Vigilance and communication can make a significant difference in enhancing public safety and enjoyment.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Quinn, for sharing your insights on this important topic. It’s crucial for the public to stay informed and aware, especially during festive seasons.
Dr. Quinn: Thank you for having me. It was a pleasure to discuss this with you.
Editor: And thank you, readers, for tuning in to Time.news. Stay safe, stay informed, and remember to verify before you celebrate!