Giant orange ants, flying carpets, 18th century courtesans, mermaids and pigeons - all the essentials of a good traditional St Patrick's Day were on display at the National Concert Hall this week for the unveiling of this year's festival line-up. St Patrick was there too, of course, braving the sleet to serve as a doorman for the night, and giving the impression of a Santa who missed the last sleigh home.
However, artistic director Dominic Campbell assured us the old favourites would not be forgotten among the high-tech fireworks and rollercoaster rides. "The theme for this year's festival is 'voyages and visions' and it's going to be a mix of old favourites and new flavours. The parade will still be there, but it's going to be bigger than ever."
One of the most important new elements, Campbell said, is the involvement of students from the Brighter Futures Project, who have designed their own floats for the parade. Kevin O'Dwyer, from Coláiste Eanna, Ballyrowan explained: "Transition year students from different schools got together to discuss how we could show the cycle of life, so we designed our own costumes as children, teenagers, students and old people."
Also new to this year's event is a link-up with the Caribbean island of Montserrat, which is having its own St Patrick's festival and according to the chairman of the festival, Senator Feargal Quinn, would add to the opportunity to "recharge our reserves of Irishness".
The Minister for Arts, John O'Donoghue, stressed the benefits the festival brings to the tourism industry. "It is the impression of us that people take home in their heads and hearts. It's our opportunity to be seen as a vibrant, confident and sophisticated people."
Or perhaps the chief executive of the festival, Maria Moynihan, best summed up the meaning of the festival. "The message of the festival is not subtle, it's come out on to the streets because this year will be bigger, brighter, louder and longer than ever."
The festival is six days long, running from March 11th to St Patrick's Day and is "jam-packed like a good sandwich", says Moynihan.
Among the artists making up the filling are Mankind and Fifth Avenue, who appeared at the Childline concert earlier this week, Dublin r'n'b artist Luke Thomas and Picturehouse. All attended the programme launch.