A large crowd of people were duped into lining the streets of Dublin for a Halloween parade that did not exist.
Spectators turned out in force to watch the alleged procession in the Irish capital on Thursday night – until they were told there had never been any plans for one to be held.
It came after a website falsely announced a parade would be taking place in the city from 7pm. It appears the claims were then spread further on social media, including sites such as TikTok.
Irish police dispersed the crowd after appealing for those in the area to leave.
A Gardai statement on X said: “Please be advised that contrary to information being circulated online, no Halloween parade is scheduled to take place in Dublin City Centre this evening or tonight.
“All those gathered on O’Connell Street in expectation of such a parade are asked to disperse safely.”
Commentators online joked that the event was a “ghost parade”.
Irish politician Gary Gannon said “hundreds” had turned out – but added it showed there was “an appetite in Dublin for a well-organised annual Halloween parade”.
Another X user added: “This is just Halloween, now think of how many people are fed with misinformation online on other issues.”
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Despite the “hoax”, many who attended appeared to see the funny side.
A social media user said his daughter was among the crowd and had described it as “the best atmosphere”.
“[She] said it was great fun and so friendly,” he added.
Galway arts company Macnas held a parade around Halloween in Dublin in 2023, but had not planned to repeat it this year.