Opera Dei Pupi (Rod Marionette Theatre) Tours
One of the cultural traditions of Sicily is a type of puppet show in which rod marionettes are used to enact legendary tales of knights, pirates, and saints. This type of puppet show - or “Opera dei Pupi” - was even added to UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2008.
The tradition of Opera dei Pupi in Sicily became popular in the early 19th century, though some of the stories enacted by the marionettes date back to the 12th century. When these marionette shows were at their peak, there were traveling stages in Sicily that were built into donkey carts. There were often multiple backdrops of elaborately painted sets, and the marionettes themselves were all hand carved out of wood.
Today, there are still a few places you can see the Opera dei Pupi in Sicily, where they carry on the old marionette theater tradition, but the era of these theaters being family-run operations with the skills being passed from generation to generation are long gone.
The tradition of Opera dei Pupi in Sicily became popular in the early 19th century, though some of the stories enacted by the marionettes date back to the 12th century. When these marionette shows were at their peak, there were traveling stages in Sicily that were built into donkey carts. There were often multiple backdrops of elaborately painted sets, and the marionettes themselves were all hand carved out of wood.
Today, there are still a few places you can see the Opera dei Pupi in Sicily, where they carry on the old marionette theater tradition, but the era of these theaters being family-run operations with the skills being passed from generation to generation are long gone.
Practical Info
In Palermo, you can visit the Museo Internazionale delle Marionette -
the International Marionette Museum - to see some of the historic
marionettes on display. The museum also has puppets from other parts of
the world, and - at the end of the tour - you’ll have a chance to see a
brief puppet show. It’s all in Italian and Sicilian dialect, but it’s a
delight to see even if you don’t understand a word. Ask at the ticket
window about the schedule for the puppet shows, so you can plan your
visit to the museum around seeing one.
Address: Via Bara All'Olivella, 95, Palermo 90139, Italy
2 Tours and Activities to Experience Opera Dei Pupi (Rod Marionette Theatre)
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Palermo Walking Tour and Street Food
Indulge all your senses on a walking tour of Palermo's rich street food traditions. Join a knowledgeable guide for a walk through the historic part of the city and its vibrant outdoor markets. Sample some of Palermo's unique street foods, such as 'panelle' and 'meusa.' Watch the lively scenes all around you, observing what seems like another time.
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From
$44.25
Price varies by group size
From
$44.25
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Last minute Palermo Walking Tour and Street Food
Sicily has lain at a crossroads of civilizations for thousands of years—and its food is a delicious reflection of the island’s diverse cultural mix. On this morning tour of Palermo’s street food markets, get off the typical tourist trail and follow in locals’ footsteps. You’ll visit three of the city’s key markets—Capo, Ballarò, and La Vucciria—will enjoy numerous samples, and learn more about Sicily’s history from your guide.
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From
$49.16
From
$49.16
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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