Pupazzi - Puppet Festival
Festival of contemporary puppetry in Laval
About Pupazzi
Pupazzi is the festival of contemporary puppetry created in 2022 by Le Théâtre de Laval, a National Puppet Centre. Every autumn for three weeks, the festival shines throughout Laval Agglo, showcasing the vitality and diversity of puppet arts. From object theatre to animated film, from intimate forms to major international creations, Pupazzi displays the full spectrum of contemporary puppetry for all audiences.
Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Pupazzi at the best price.
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Pupazzi: Contemporary Puppetry Celebrated in Laval
Created in 2022 by Le Théâtre de Laval, designated a National Puppet Centre (CNMa) by the Ministry of Culture, the Pupazzi festival has established itself in just a few editions as a must-attend event for manipulation arts in France. Every autumn, for nearly three weeks, Pupazzi transforms Laval and its surrounding area into a vast puppetry playground, hosting companies from France and Europe.
A Festival That Shines Throughout the Agglomeration
Beyond Le Théâtre de Laval, the festival's historic heart, Pupazzi takes over a multitude of venues across Laval Agglo: performance halls, media libraries, schools, public spaces, and unusual locations. This territorial reach allows it to connect with diverse audiences and introduce the art of puppetry in surprising contexts. Each edition features performances in about ten towns in the agglomeration, from Saint-Berthevin to Entrammes, and from Le Genest-Saint-Isle to Ahuillé.
An Audacious and Eclectic Program
Pupazzi's program is distinguished by its boldness and diversity. The festival embraces all forms of contemporary puppetry: object theatre, string puppets, glove puppets, table-top puppets, paper theatre, animated film, digital forms, and hybrid creations. The offerings range from intimate small-scale pieces to grand spectacular creations, including street parades and the famous Lantern Parade, a unifying event where hundreds of people march through the streets of Laval with lanterns made in workshops.
Renowned Companies
Each year, Pupazzi hosts around twenty companies, blending established artists from the international puppetry scene with emerging young companies. The festival programs French and European companies, particularly from Belgium and the Netherlands, offering a rich panorama of contemporary creation in the field of puppet arts.
Commitment to Audiences
True to the mission of the National Puppet Centre, Pupazzi places a central focus on outreach and transmission. Puppet-making and manipulation workshops are offered to children and families. Meetings with artists, post-show talks, and discussion sessions allow the public to understand the creative processes. The festival's « À Table ! » event, an event within the event, combines convivial meals with puppet shows for a complete sensory experience.
Growing Success
Since its creation in 2022, Pupazzi has seen remarkable growth. The first edition attracted nearly 6,000 spectators; the fourth edition in 2025 brought together 10,500 spectators around 18 companies. This success reflects the public's appetite for puppet arts and the quality of the programming offered by Le Théâtre de Laval.
Pupazzi — edition 2026
The 5th edition of the Pupazzi festival is expected in autumn 2026 in Laval and throughout Laval Agglo. Le Théâtre de Laval, National Puppet Centre, is preparing a new program combining contemporary puppet shows, object theatre, workshops, and parades for all audiences.
5th Edition — Autumn 2026
The Pupazzi festival will return in the autumn of 2026 for its 5th edition. Le Théâtre de Laval, National Puppet Centre, is preparing a new program rich in discoveries, blending contemporary puppet shows, object theatre, animated film, making and manipulation workshops, and festive moments. The festival will continue to shine throughout Laval Agglo, occupying new venues to reach all audiences.
Practical information — Pupazzi
Access
The Pupazzi festival takes place at Le Théâtre de Laval and in numerous venues across Laval Agglo. The Theatre is located at 34 rue de la Paix, 53000 Laval.
- By car: Laval is accessible via the A81 motorway (Paris – Rennes axis). Parking is available near the Theatre in the city center.
- By train: Laval station, served by TGV (1h20 from Paris-Montparnasse, 1h from Rennes). The Theatre is about a 10-minute walk from the station.
- By bus: TUL network (Transports Urbains Lavallois), stops near the Theatre.
Prices
The Pupazzi festival offers accessible pricing. Many performances are free, especially outdoor events, parades, and the Lantern Parade. Indoor performances are offered at moderate prices. Information on ticketing and detailed prices is available on the Le Théâtre de Laval website.
Ticketing and Reservations
Book online on the Le Théâtre de Laval website or directly at the Theatre's ticket office.
- Phone: 02 43 49 86 30
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: letheatre.laval.fr/pupazzi
Practical Advice
The festival takes place every year in the autumn, generally from late October to mid-November. It is advisable to consult the detailed program on the official website to plan your visit. As some performances have limited capacity, booking is recommended. Performances are suitable for all ages, with options for toddlers from 1 year old, children, and adults.
Accessibility
Le Théâtre de Laval is accessible to people with reduced mobility. For other festival venues, it is recommended to inquire with the ticket office.
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Pupazzi at the best price.
Sponsored link
Where does it take place — Pupazzi
Le Théâtre de Laval - Centre National de la Marionnette
34 rue de la Paix, 53000 Laval