Wolf-like rats in wheelie bins, worn-out Polish builders, a neat dig at the SSIA classes and the death of green public space - such was the sharp satirical tone to the first of several festival parades in Galway city at the weekend, writes Lorna Siggins, Western Correspondent
Macnas founder Paraic Breathnach and his Project 06 dawn chorus, drummers and salsa dancers even tempted the sun out on Saturday evening as they set off across "The West" - the cross-Corrib area of the city bounded by Dominick and Henry streets.
Hundreds of people turned out to cheer Project 06 pirates, stilt-walkers, fire-throwers and night-clubbers as they presented Morning, Noon and Night, or 24 hours in the life of the city.
Mayor of Galway Niall Ó Brolcháin (Green) even left his chain and suit behind as he wobbled on his bin-fuelled bicycle, followed by a kitchen-sink orchestra, a cacophony of trumpets and chaotic local authority roadworks.
The SSIA generation flashed their personal wealth in neat little vehicles, the Maid of Ply tried to interpret a vague weather forecast and a hard-hatted boss, flanked by politician, directed Earwig Construction Polish navvies from the top of his large "skip". Widows in weeds mourned the last bit of green space in its hearse, a giant teddy was nursed in bed and all sorts of wild animals, angels and devils emerged under the light of a luminous moon, as Elvis, Michael Jackson and other rockers came to town.
Back in the city, members of the city's African community held a special event in Newtownsmith to pray for their continent, which was led by Pastor Gaby Tshimanga of the Bethel Assembly.
Close by in the Fisheries field, Macnas and supporters were putting the finishing touches to their parade. Entitled The Big River, it was inspired by a story related by collaborators KCAT - a group of Kilkenny artists working this year with Macnas - about a king who fell into freshwater.
Several thousand people showed their loyalty to the city troupe as the participants paddled and floated and swam, followed by floating rubbish such as a giant shopping trolley, along their traditional route via Eyre Plaza - closed for several years during its refurbishment - and down Shop Street to Wolfe Tone bridge.
The king of the river blew bubbles rather than kisses, and there was much applause for the work of director Helen Gregg.
Further out west, fresh southwesterly winds favoured the fleet of traditional craft participating in this year's Roundstone regatta, while Salthill was also recovering from an invasion of Daniel O'Donnell and Andrea Bocelli fans.
The Galway Arts Festival and Project 06 continue this week with a plethora of events, indoors and out, and the Westside Arts Festival opens next Thursday, continuing until Sunday, July 30th.
The Westside Arts Festival office is at tel (091) 569 755.