Parade the Circle returns after hiatus, brings carnival

Visual artist Hector Castellanos Lara share his vision for a dragonfly puppet that will lead Parade the Circle, June 10, 2023. (Photo by Paris Wolfe)

CLEVELAND, Ohio –Parade the Circle returns to Wade Oval on Saturday, June 10, after a three-year hiatus because of COVID-19. The area will be filled with vibrant artistic expression from giant puppets to colorful costumes created by professional artists as well as families, schools, and community groups. In addition to the visuals, the senses will be treated to music and dance. Watching the parade is free for all.

"Transformation" is the theme for the 2023 parade. It's a healing concept meant to bring hope, joy and new beginnings, says Lead Artist Hector Castellanos Lara. For the first 30 years the parade was directed by the Cleveland Museum of Art's now-retired director of community arts Robin VanLear. This will be Castellanos Lara's first year at the parade's helm.

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