Pupazzi - Puppet Festival

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.