Festival di Morgana 2027 – Palermo, Italië

• 5 november 2026
  Datum van het evenement:
• 22 november 2026
  Einde van het evenement:

What to expect

Festival di Morgana is the oldest annual exhibition in Sicily dedicated to the Opera dei Pupi and the Theatre of Figure, and one of the most important international festivals for puppetry and image theatre in Europe. Organized since the mid-eighties by the Antonio Pasqualino International Puppet Museum in Palermo through the Association for the Preservation of Folk Traditions, the festival was born as the Review of the Opera dei pupi and became the Morgana Festival opening up to traditions of puppetry from other countries of the world and to contemporary art.

The festival brings together puppeteers from all over the world to celebrate the art of the pupi, shadows, marionettes, glove puppets and contemporary figure theatre. Historical Sicilian Pupari families participate alongside international companies from Asia, Africa and Europe, in a program that mixes traditional epics with critical rewritings, classic myth and tragedy, oral narration and experimental forms.

UNESCO has proclaimed the Opera dei Pupi a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, and later included it on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Annual festivals such as Morgana further invigorate public interest and ensure the tradition’s vitality. The regional, national and international relevance of the Festival provides a prominent setting for the entire puppeteers community. It is registered by the Sicilian Regional Government among Events of great tourist attraction, it is part of national ItaliaFestival network and international Europe for Festivals network and has patronage of Italian Commission for UNESCO.

Expect shows, performances, seminars, conferences, workshops, exhibitions and educational activities spread across some of the most representative and evocative places in Palermo, with a focus on free access and cultural exchange.

Evenementdata

Event Dates: November 2027 (Dates TBD)

Edition: 52nd Festival di Morgana

Save the Date: 5 to 22 November format announced for recent edition, indicating extended program over two to three weeks

Opening Hours: Based on museum hours and previous editions, performances typically take place daily with museum opening Monday 10:00 to 14:00 last entry 13:00, Tuesday to Saturday 10:00 to 18:00 last entry 17:00, Sunday 10:00 to 14:00 last entry 13:00. Daily live performances of Opera dei Pupi traditionally at 11:00 on Monday and 17:00 from Tuesday to Saturday. Full schedule will be published on https://www.festivaldimorgana.it/web/

Bezoek je dit evenement? Mis deze geweldige activiteiten en lokale ervaringen hier niet.

Locatie en locaties voor optredens

Main Venue: Antonio Pasqualino International Puppet Museum, Piazza Antonio Pasqualino 5, 90133 Palermo, Italy. Phone 091328060. The museum is currently located inside Hotel de France building, particularly interesting from both architectural and historical point of view, in city centre near monumental Piazza Marina. It houses largest and most complete collection of pupi from Palermo, Catania and Naples, used in Opera dei pupi, plus precious collection of historical puppets, original scenery, costumes, swords, horses and unique pieces that narrate centuries of history and family tradition.

Secondary Venues:

• Church of San Mattia Apostolo dei Crociferi
• Church of SS Euno and Giuliano
• Agramante Theater
• Charlemagne Theater Carlo Magno theater Via Collegio di Santa Maria 17, family-run production born in 1928
• Teatro dei Pupi di Mimmo Cuticchio Via Bara all’Olivella 95
• Opera dei Pupi di Vincenzo Argento e figli Via Vittorio Emanuele 445
• Palazzo Asmundo Via Pietro Novelli 1 opposite Palermo Cathedral

The festival starts in walls of museum but later moves to streets of city. The Collected Traveler notes performances take place in historic Cinema Imperiale and venues along Viale Verdi blending cinema with unique atmosphere, while SicilyLab reports festival takes place at International Puppet Museum and church of San Apostolo dei Crociferi showcasing puppet theater from Java, Spain, France and Italy in collaboration with Cervantes Institute of Palermo.

Location Context: Palermo historic centre, near Teatro Massimo, Kalsa district and Piazza Marina, walkable between venues.

Volledig programma

The programme is described as very intense, bringing shows, performances, seminars, conferences, workshops in evocative places.

Shows and Performances: Traditional Sicilian Opera dei Pupi by historic families, international puppetry including Javanese shadow puppetry Wayang Kulit, Persian oral narration practices Naqqali and Pardeh-khani, Egyptian epic Chronicles Banu Hilal Al-Sira al-Hilaliyya recognized by UNESCO, Spanish and French contemporary puppet theatre, Italian regional traditions from Campania and Sardinia, Israeli and Tunisian and Turkish companies.

Themed Focus: Recent editions focus on interrelated traditions, for example Mediterranean Image Theater theme combining workshops, conferences, exhibitions, national and absolute premieres between tradition and modernity in single long breath. Search for roots becomes search for oneself through and together with Other. Programs explore world epics in puppet theater including Italy, India, Iran, Japan.

Related Activities: Exhibitions, conferences, educational workshops, seminars on preservation of folk traditions, meetings with puppeteers, book presentations, film screenings related to puppetry. Mini-symposiums held within Festival di Morgana organized annually by Museo.

Educational Program: Workshops for children, schools and adults on construction and manipulation of puppets, shadow theatre techniques, oral storytelling.

Program Note: Attached is very intense program that will bring shows, performances, seminars, conferences, workshops in some of most representative places.

Uitgelichte producties en artiesten

Historical Sicilian Families: Pupari families who continue tradition that UNESCO proclaimed masterpiece. Among best known are Carlo Magno theater family-run production, Association Figli d’Arte Cuticchio renowned production space steps away from Teatro Massimo, and companies performing daily Opera dei Pupi.

International Companies: Companies from France, Israel, Spain, Tunisia, Turkey, Java, Persia, Egypt, Japan, India participating in recent editions. Large orchestra with 12 musicians has been included in some editions, showcasing puppet theater with live music.

Special Productions: New productions centred on poems such as Persian poet Nezami, chivalric repertoire of Opera dei pupi and cuntu Sicilian traditional oral narrative practice while presenting classic myth and tragedy Hephaestus, Perseus and Medusa that come to life even in critical rewritings Me_Dee. Persian oral narration with two traditional narrative practices.

Collaborations: Performances in collaboration with Cervantes Institute of Palermo, international institutes, UNESCO commission, ItaliaFestival network, European Festivals Association.

Museum Collection: Performance museum concept where museum itself is performer, housing historical puppets and contemporary creations.

Shows & optredens

Types of Performance:

• Opera dei Pupi: Sicilian rod marionette theatre of Frankish romantic poets such as Song of Roland, rooted in Provencal troubadour tradition. Performances feature chivalric battles, swords, horses, intricate armor.
• Shadow Puppetry: Javanese Wayang and other shadow traditions where single puppeteer operates puppets behind screen, UNESCO-recognized artistry.
• Glove Puppets and Burattini: Italian hand puppet traditions.
• Contemporary Figure Theatre: Experimental works blending puppets with dance, video, body painting, object theatre.
• Oral Narration: Naqqali, Pardeh-khani, cuntu traditions where storyteller uses voice, gesture and painted cloths.
• Large Scale Shows: Productions with orchestra, large puppets, multimedia.

Performance Format: Shows range from 30-minute intimate demonstrations to full evening epics of over 90 minutes. Many performances are free until seats last, creating accessible atmosphere.

Audience Interaction: Performances often include post-show talks where puppeteers explain techniques, family histories and cultural contexts.

Uitvoeringsschema

Based on museum practice and previous festival structure, schedule follows pattern:

Morning: Museum open for collection visits, educational workshops for schools, conferences.

Late Morning: Daily live performance of Opera dei Pupi at 11:00 in museum.

Middag: Seminar sessions, film screenings, exhibitions, with performances at 17:00 from Tuesday to Saturday.

Evening: Main festival shows at museum and churches, typically 18:30 to 21:30, with multiple parallel performances in different venues allowing audience to move between locations.

Weekend: Extended program over two weekends with additional street performances and family shows.

Reservation Note: Admission to shows is free but reservations must be made on festival website due to limited seating in historic venues. Schedule with exact times, venues and booking links published on official site.

Tickettypes

Free Admission Shows: Majority of Festival di Morgana performances are free until seats last, with mandatory reservation via festival website. This policy aims to bring together ancient art of puppetry with widest public.

Museum Admission: Ticket price for admission to Museum based on recent pricing is $5.50 USD full, $3.30 USD reduced for children and students up to 25 years, free up to 4 years. Other sources list tickets at $8.80 USD adults, $5.50 USD reduced, children under 12 free, or $9.14 USD skip-the-line ticket with specific date and entry time. Prices include access to collection and daily Opera dei Pupi performance.

Theater Tickets: Some venues such as private puppet theaters like Teatro dei Pupi di Mimmo Cuticchio may charge separate ticket for regular shows outside festival program, typically $10.00 to $15.00 USD per person. During festival, many of those shows are included in free program.

Workshop Fees: Educational workshops may require small participation fee approximately $11.00 to $22.00 USD to cover materials.

Reservation: Tickets can be reserved at box offices, by phone, or online via Eventbrite and official site. Non-refundable in case of cancellation for skip-the-line products.

Ticketuitgave en boeking

Release: Program and booking open several weeks before festival start. Save the Date announcement precedes full program.

Booking Method: Reservations must be made on festival website https://www.festivaldimorgana.it/web/. For museum skip-the-line tickets, booking via Pelago, PowerTraveller and similar platforms allows choosing specific date and entry time.

Phone Booking: Contact museum at 091328060 for information and reservations.

On-Site: Box office at Piazza Antonio Pasqualino 5 open during museum hours.

Recommendation: Due to free admission policy and limited capacity of churches and historic halls, early reservation strongly recommended, especially for international companies and weekend performances.

VIP- en premium zitplaatsen

Premium Experience: While festival emphasizes free access, premium seating may be offered for opening night and special galas at Agramante and Charlemagne theaters.

Museum Membership: Supporters and members of Association for Preservation of Folk Traditions may receive priority booking and reserved seats.

Private Views: Private guided tours of museum collection including largest collection of pupi from Palermo, Catania and Naples, with behind-the-scenes access to restoration labs, available on request.

Group Booking: Groups and schools can arrange reserved seating and tailored workshops.

Accessibility Note: While Antonio Pasqualino Museum is wheelchair accessible, historic theatres may have limitations, so premium accessible seating should be requested in advance.

Evenementregels

Reservation Required: Admission to shows is free but reservations must be made on festival website. Seats are assigned until capacity.

Punctuality: Late entry may not be permitted due to nature of puppet performances and low lighting.

Photography: Photography and video may be restricted during performances to protect puppeteers techniques and copyrighted productions. Ask staff before recording.

Silence: Maintain silence during oral narration and traditional performances.

Kinderen: Many shows suitable for children, but some evening performances may contain intense battle scenes or loud music. Check age recommendation.

Museum Rules: Do not touch puppets, costumes, swords and unique pieces. Collection is precious and fragile.

Respect for Tradition: As event recognized by UNESCO as intangible heritage, respectful behavior toward performers and traditions expected.

Hoe kom je daar

Address: Antonio Pasqualino International Puppet Museum, Piazza Antonio Pasqualino 5, 90133 Palermo, Italy. Also listed as Via Butera 1, 90133 Palermo.

By Air: Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport PMO approximately 35 kilometers from city centre, connected via bus Prestia e Comande and train to Palermo Centrale. From airport, continue via bus or taxi to Piazza Marina area.

By Train: Palermo Centrale railway station is main station, with connections from across Sicily and mainland Italy via ferry and rail. From station, walk or bus to historic centre.

By Car: From A19 and A20 motorways, follow signs to Palermo centre and Piazza Marina. Parking limited in historic centre, use parking garages near port.

By Foot: Museum located in city centre near Piazza Marina, Kalsa district, within walking distance from Teatro Massimo, Quattro Canti and Cathedral.

Openbaar vervoer & parkeren

Buses: AMAT buses serve historic centre, lines connecting Palermo Centrale with Piazza Marina and Via Butera area. Tickets available at kiosks and via app.

Tram: Tram lines connect outskirts with centre, interchange with buses near Central Station.

Wandelen: Most festival venues within 15 minutes walk of each other in historic centre, making walking best option.

Parkeren: Public parking garages at Via Pignatelli Aragona, Piazzale Ungheria and near port. On-street parking limited and often restricted to residents in Kalsa. Cost approximately $1.10 to $2.20 USD per hour.

Taxi: Taxi stands at Palermo Centrale, Teatro Massimo and airport. Radio taxi service available.

Bike: Bike sharing available but cobblestones in historic centre make walking more practical.

Accommodatiegebieden

Kalsa and Piazza Marina: Closest to museum, boutique hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses within 2 minutes walk to Piazza Antonio Pasqualino. Ideal for full immersion and late evening shows.

Historic Centre and Quattro Canti: Hotels near Teatro Massimo, Cathedral and Via Maestrale, 10 minutes walk to venues, wide range of options from budget to luxury.

Politeama and Libertà: Modern district with larger hotels, shopping and restaurants, tram connection to centre.

Mondello and Beach: For combining festival with seaside, Mondello beach area offers resorts, accessible via bus.

Booking Advice: Palermo is popular destination, especially during cultural events. Early booking recommended for Kalsa area. Many accommodations are in historic palazzi, offering unique atmosphere.

Dineren & versnaperingen

Near Museum: Traditional trattorias in Kalsa serving Sicilian cuisine including panelle, arancine, pasta alla Norma, sarde a beccafico, cannoli and cassata.

Historic Markets: Vucciria, Ballaro and Capo markets offer street food, fresh produce and local specialties, ideal for quick lunch between performances.

Museum Cafe: No formal cafe inside museum but nearby cafes in Piazza Marina offer coffee and light refreshments.

Festival Hospitality: During festival, some venues offer themed refreshments and post-show aperitifs.

Evening: After shows, Soul Kitchen style after-festival venues in Palermo offer concerts and evocative sounds, with restaurants open late in historic centre.

Toegankelijkheid

Museum: Antonio Pasqualino Museum is wheelchair accessible with accessible entrance at Piazza Antonio Pasqualino 5. Elevator available for collection floors. Accessible restroom available.

Historische locaties: Church of San Mattia Apostolo dei Crociferi and other churches may have steps and limited accessibility. Agramante and Charlemagne theaters historic buildings with some limitations. Contact organizers in advance for specific needs.

Performances: Visual theatre highly accessible across language barriers, though oral narration may be in original languages with Italian translation.

Hulp: Staff can provide assistance for reserved seating. Contact museum at 091328060 for accessibility inquiries.

Public Transport: Low-floor buses available but historic centre cobblestones may pose challenges. Taxi recommended for those with mobility needs.

Beste optredens om bij te wonen

Opening Night: Focus on international tradition such as Persian oral narration with Naqqali and Pardeh-khani or Javanese shadow puppetry, setting theme for edition.

Sicilian Pupari Families: Historical families performing classic chivalric repertoire, essential to understand UNESCO-recognized Opera dei Pupi.

International Shadow Theatre: Javanese Wayang Kulit with live gamelan or 12-musician orchestra, showcasing single puppeteer operating multiple puppets.

Contemporary Creations: New productions centred on epic poems, critical rewritings of myth such as Me_Dee reinterpretation of Hephaestus, Perseus and Medusa.

Children and Family Shows: Daytime performances of Opera dei Pupi with simplified stories, ideal for families.

Closing Gala: Often features collaborative performance blending Sicilian and international traditions.

Hoogtepunten van het voorgaande jaar

Recent Themes: Mediterranean Image Theater theme combining workshops, conferences, exhibitions, national and absolute premieres between tradition and modernity. Focus on Mediterranean as great sea that welcomes with all landscapes and faces, thousand characters and storytellers. Search for roots becomes search for oneself through and together with Other.

International Participation: Companies from France, Israel, Spain, Tunisia, Turkey, Java, Persia, Egypt, Japan participating, bringing infinite variations of image theatre animated by shadows, puppets, marionettes and fantastic creatures.

Special Features: Inclusion of large orchestra with 12 musicians, single puppeteer operating puppets, collaboration with Cervantes Institute, rich calendar of cultural and theatrical events as well as workshops and meetings.

Return to Presence: Edition marking return to presence after remote period, with very intense program from 11 to 21 in that month bringing shows to most representative places.

UNESCO Recognition: Continued promotion of Opera dei Pupi as Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage, contributing to revival and ensuring vitality.

Officiële tickets

Officiële website: https://www.festivaldimorgana.it/web/

Museum Website: https://www.museodellemarionette.it

Contact: Phone 091328060, Address Piazza Antonio Pasqualino 5, 90133 Palermo, Italy. Also listed as Via Butera 1, 90133 Palermo.

Ticketinformatie: Based on museum pricing, museum admission $5.50 USD full, $3.30 USD reduced, free up to 4 years. Skip-the-line ticket $9.14 USD per person with specific date and entry time. Festival shows free with reservation mandatory via official website. Private theaters regular tickets $10.00 to $15.00 USD.

Reservation: https://www.festivaldimorgana.it/web/ for full program and booking. Tickets can be reserved at box offices, by phone, or online via Eventbrite.

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