Morgana Festival

The Morgana Festival in Palermo

The Morgana Festival is an international event dedicated to figure theatre that takes place every year in Palermo, in the heart of the historic centre and specifically in the Kalsa district. Organised by the Antonio Pasqualino International Puppet Museum, the festival is one of the oldest and most renowned of its kind in Italy: since 1975, it has brought puppeteers, storytellers, musicians, and animated figures from all over the world to Sicily.

Origins and History

The festival was born in 1975, coinciding with the opening of the Puppet Museum, from the vision and passion of scholars Antonio Pasqualino and Janne Vibaek, founders of the Association for the Conservation of Popular Traditions. Since then, the festival has grown to become a global reference point for the art of marionettes, puppets, shadow theatre, and all techniques of figure theatre, while simultaneously promoting the heritage of the Sicilian Opera dei Pupi, recognised by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

Festival Venues

The festival's performances and events take place in some of Palermo's most evocative locations: the main venue is the Antonio Pasqualino International Puppet Museum in Piazzetta Pasqualino, alongside the former Church of S. Mattia ai Crociferi, the Cavallerizza of Palazzo Cefalà, and Palazzo Belmonte Riso. The public is invited to follow a widespread path through theatre, exhibitions, conferences, and workshops that bring the entire Kalsa district to life.

A Window to the World

Each edition of the Morgana Festival proposes a theme or a geographical focus, juxtaposing international performances with local tradition: from Indonesian wayang to Chinese string puppets, from Latin American figures to Asian shadow theatre, and the puppets of Sicilian pupari. Alongside the performances, the programme includes study days, conferences, screenings, and exhibitions, confirming the festival's vocation to combine scientific research, outreach, and live performance.

Practical Information

The festival is traditionally held in November and is aimed at a wide audience, from families to theatre and folk tradition enthusiasts. Performances at the Museum require mandatory booking, while numerous events at other venues offer free admission until capacity is reached, making the event accessible to all visitors to the city of Palermo, the capital of Sicily.