EuroPuppet - International Itinerant Puppet Theatre Festival (Balmuccia stage)

EuroPuppet, puppet theatre in the heart of Valsesia

Every summer, the EuroPuppet International Itinerant Puppet Theatre Festival transforms the villages of the Upper Valsesia into a widespread stage dedicated to puppets, marionettes, figures, shadows, and object theatre. One of the most charming stops on the tour is Balmuccia, a small town in the Province of Vercelli, Piedmont, nestled at the confluence of the Sermenza stream and the Sesia river. Here, performances take place at the historic Teatro Sociale di Balmuccia, an intimate and welcoming venue that becomes, for a few evenings, a kingdom of animated figures.

An itinerant and international festival

EuroPuppet is organized by Kirby Teatro - La Bottega Teatrale APS of Fontanetto Po (VC), an organization active since 1995 in children's and puppet theatre, under the artistic direction of Giuseppe Cardascio and Salvatore Varvaro. The festival is not competitive in the traditional sense: it is the audience, through their votes, who reward the most appreciated moments. The festival winds through various towns in the Upper Valsesia—including Balmuccia, Varallo, Civiasco, and Scopello—before continuing into the Lower Vercelli area and reaching the Province of Turin.

Shows for families and children

The Balmuccia programme offers a selection of productions designed for families: classic stories and new plays brought to the stage using various techniques, from puppets and marionettes to shadow theatre. The guest companies arrive from various Italian regions and abroad, offering a broad perspective on the contemporary puppet theatre scene.

• Free admission to all shows
• Programme suitable for children, teenagers, and families
• Evening and afternoon performances at the Teatro Sociale di Balmuccia
• Italian and international companies

Balmuccia and the Upper Valsesia

Hosting a puppet theatre festival in a village like Balmuccia means combining the magic of animated figures with the beauty of the Valsesia mountains, at the foot of Monte Rosa. The festival is an opportunity to discover the Upper Valsesia in summer, pairing live performances with walks, nature, and local gastronomy. For families on holiday in the area, EuroPuppet is a high-quality cultural event that highlights small village theatres and their role as social and artistic hubs.