Carnival of Collective Joy 2025

The joyful imagination of the children of Carlow returned to parade the streets of the town on the 7th of June 2025. We came together to celebrate the colour, diversity, joy and wonder all around us. In 2025, we were dreaming of Carlow, of its past, present and future and of the myths and legends that shape our world.

Artists Selene Murphy, Molly O’Brien and Angelica Santander worked with children in St Patrick’s N.S, Rathvilly, Scoil Mhuire Lourdes N.S, Tullow, Equal Chances Polish School and children who have recently arrived in Carlow. Together, they created wonderful worlds and fantastic creatures for the colourful and joyful parade.

Returning for its fourth year, the Carnival of Collective Joy is part of our ASSEMBLY programme – a year-round initiative developing community-led creative projects in and around Co. Carlow.

Selene was mentored and supported by Brazilian Carnival Maker Livia Diniz who leads the learning network Invention Parks.

Created in partnership with VISUAL, Carlow County Development Partnership and Music Generation Carlow and Waterford.

Photographs by Brian Cregan

Video by Patrick Bramley