Praise is due to the Govern de les Illes Balears and the Consell de Mallorca who together are the main sponsors of the annual Festival Internacional de Teatre de Teresetes (the International Festival of Marionette Theatre), now in its 11th edition and currently being performed all over the island.

Some 13 string puppet groups from countries such as Spain, Catalunya, Bulgaria, Italy, Brazil and England are performing until Sunday (May 17th) in Palma and in pueblos all over Mallorca. Most performances are free of charge, whilst some places charge a small admission of 5 € (2 € for children).

Marionettes are called marionetas or títeres in Spanish, titellas in Catalán, and teresetes in Mallorquín. Whatever the language, the string puppets are good fun and great entertainment, for children and for the young at heart.

I went to a performance yesterday given by the Russian Marionettes’ artist Viktor Antonov from St. Petersburg (see both photos). If you missed his Cirk Na Nintjah act (so far presented in Santa Maria, Algaïda and Campos), you can still watch his talent today (at 10h00 in Son Servera, and at 18h30 in Pollença), or tomorrow (at 10h00 in Muro, and at 18h00 in Inca). On Saturday (May 16th) Viktor will perform at the Centre Cultural de la Misericòrdia in Palma de Mallorca (18h00 and 19h30). All of his performances are admission free.

For other groups, locations, dates and times, consult the festival website (Catalán only, I am afraid, but easy to follow and trouble-free to understand).

The photo (top) was taken in Campos del Port, Mallorca, Baleares, Spain. The date: May 13th, 2009. The time was 12:55:40. The photo (bottom) was taken from the Russian Kukolny Format website. благодарЮ.