You can expect the unexpected in Dublin city centre next Thursday night. Starting at seven o'clock, a weird and wild parade will make its way from Parnell Square to the Central Bank, celebrating the theme of Samhain (Hallowe'en).
Co-ordinated by Beg Borrow and Steal Theatre Company, the parade will feature puppets, masks and pageantry presented by arts groups from around the city.
Trinity Arts Group is at work on a giant dragon while the Finglas Art Squad has promised a Pied Piper complete with rats.
Yet, while the parade looks set to be quite a spectacle, Beg Borrow and Steal's production manager Paul Maher is anxious to emphasise the importance of participation. "We're hoping that parents will bring their children and join in. We don't want the parade to be spectator borne," he said.
Beg Borrow and Steal's own contribution will be eagerly awaited by those familiar with the work of Peter Schumann. A Canadian, he founded the renowned Bread and Puppet Theatre in New York in 1963 with the aim of blending theatre, painting, music, sculpture and language, while simultaneously addressing contemporary issues.
As the result of a 10-year working relationship with Beg Borrow and Steal's founders, Paul Maher and Margaret Biggs, Schumann has been leading workshops on the theme of Samhain, which will culminate in Saturday night's parade.
Ma her describes working with Schumann as "very stimulating. His ability to create art from nothing is amazing".
In keeping with their joint belief in "cheap art", Mr Schumann and Beg Borrow and Steal lived up to their name and begged, borrowed or stole most of the materials necessary to make the dramatic black and white displays of giants, ships and flocking birds which will be revealed this evening.
And following on from his belief that theatre should offer food for both body and mind, Schumann built brick ovens in St Stephen's Green and baked sourdough bread for the crowd in last week's "preview" parade. If that experience was anything to go by, Thursday evening's may prove to be a feast for more than the eyes.