The 'Las Cruces' Puppet Festival in Villena returns from August 4 to 6 with six performances by national and international companies, all with free entry until full capacity is reached.
The 'Las Cruces' Puppet Festival in Villena, one of the most established cultural events of the summer in the province of Alicante, celebrates its 33rd edition from August 4 to 6, 2026. The programme includes six performances by as many companies, with double sessions each day on two different stages: the barbecues at Las Cruces and the courtyard of CEIP Joaquín Mª López, next to the Casa de Cultura.
The performances are divided into two daily shows: at 19:00 at the barbecues of Las Cruces and at 22:00 at the school. Access is free until full capacity is reached in each space. The organisation recommends arriving early to ensure entry, especially for the most popular sessions.
This year's lineup features renowned companies: Teatre Tracalet, Valeria Guglietti, El Arte Vagabundo, Tanxarina, Títeres desde Abajo, and Xip Xap. The festival offers a varied showcase of puppet techniques, such as string puppets, shadow puppets, table puppets, and object puppets, with proposals designed for all audiences, from children aged 2 to adults, maintaining the family focus that has characterised the event since its inception.
The selection of performances has been advised by Salvador Puche from the Teatre Tracalet company. The festival is sponsored by the Provincial Council of Alicante, which renews its institutional support for this cultural event.
Complete Programme
The festival kicks off on Tuesday, August 4, at 19:00 at the barbecues of Las Cruces with 'Two Brave Rabbits' by Teatre Tracalet. On the same day, at 22:00, CEIP Joaquín Mª López hosts 'Cinema Shadows' by Valeria Guglietti, a shadow show that promises to surprise the audience.
On Wednesday, August 5, the company El Arte Vagabundo presents 'Val and the Story Machine' at 19:00 at the barbecues. In the evening, at 22:00, Tanxarina takes the stage at the school with 'Tititricircus', a production that combines circus and puppetry.
The closing day, Thursday, August 6, begins at 19:00 at the barbecues with 'Stories of the Vagabond' by Títeres desde Abajo. The final act is by Xip Xap at 22:00 at CEIP Joaquín Mª López with 'The Musicians of Bremen', an adaptation of the classic tale by the Brothers Grimm.
The 'Las Cruces' Puppet Festival has established itself as an unmissable event for families in the Alto Vinalopó region and for visitors coming to Villena during the summer. The free entry and the quality of the invited companies guarantee a loyal audience that fills both stages year after year.
The organisers highlight that the festival not only entertains but also brings the art of puppetry to new generations, helping to preserve a millennia-old performing tradition. Attendees will enjoy performances that combine humour, emotion, and creativity in an outdoor setting that invites community interaction.
For more information on schedules and access, interested parties can consult the Villena City Council website or visit the Casa de Cultura.
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