International Puppet Theatre Festival Festitíteres Featuring the Giant Achilles Parade

The Festitíteres festival kicks off with an exciting show: on Sunday, the 5.5-meter-tall mechanical giant Achilles will parade along the Explanada de España. This event marks the beginning of the 38th International Puppet Theatre Festival, which will delight audiences from November 28 to December 8.

Organized by La Fam Teatre, this project combines street theatre art with advanced animatronics technology. Upcoming performances will be offered both for free and at a symbolic price of 5 euros, including the exhibition "El arte de los Silvent" and workshops for all ages. Festival participants will come from over 13 troupes worldwide, including Brazil, Portugal, and Nicaragua.

Festitíteres has established itself as one of the longest-running and most prestigious festivals in the Valencian Community, starting in 1984 as a local exhibition and evolving to international status by 1988. Since then, around 500 groups from approximately 50 countries have participated.

A children's jury will help select the most outstanding performances among the family programs. The Achilles procession will take place twice: at 17:30 and 19:30. For the best experience, it is recommended to arrive early near La Concha.

Festival Duration

Festitíteres 2025 runs from November 16 to December 8, 2025 inclusive — exactly 23 days.

Paid Performances (5 € each)

Paid shows (8 in total) will take place in indoor venues requiring tickets. Main venues for paid performances:

• Teatro Arniches (the festival’s main theatre)

  • Address: Avenida de Aguilera, 1, Alicante
  • Hosts most paid performances, especially evening shows by international companies.

• Casa de Cultura Las Cigarreras (Sala Polivalente and other spaces within the center)

  • Address: Calle San Carlos, 78, Alicante
  • This modern cultural center typically hosts the most innovative and technically complex performances (e.g., adult-oriented or those using new technologies in puppetry).

The remaining 8 performances are completely free and held outdoors:

• Explanada de España
• Plaza del Mar
• Avenida de la Constitución
• and other outdoor locations

Tickets for all paid performances (5 €) go on sale starting November 17 via the festival website and at the box offices of Teatro Arniches and Las Cigarreras.