Cuba's Matanzas province will host the 16th Matanzas International Puppet Festival (Festitim) from March 18 to 23. This key event in the nation's puppetry scene honors the 70th anniversary of the creation of Pelusín del Monte, Cuba's national puppet character.
The Matanzas International Puppet Festival, or Festitim, returns for its 16th edition as one of Cuba's premier puppetry gatherings. Scheduled from March 18 to 23 in Matanzas province, the event marks the 70th anniversary of Pelusín del Monte, the beloved national puppet that embodies a core element of Cuban cultural heritage.
Launched in 1994 on the initiative of René Fernández, a National Theater Prize winner, Festitim has evolved into a vital platform for puppeteers. This year's edition aims to unite prominent figures in the puppetry world, promoting exchanges and performances that enhance both local and global stage scenes.
Matanzas province, with its deep artistic roots, provides an apt setting for such cultural expressions, drawing participants and audiences keen on performative arts. The festival not only honors Pelusín del Monte's legacy but also highlights the enduring vibrancy of puppetry in Cuba, reaching new audiences and contexts.