Betlem de Tirisiti, Historic puppet theater in Alcoy, Spain
Betlem de Tirisiti is a historic puppet theater in Alcoy that presents traditional Christmas stories through rod puppets operated from below. The performances blend religious narratives with local customs and characters, reflecting Mediterranean puppet traditions while maintaining its distinctive staging style.
The performances began in the mid-19th century during Alcoy's period of industrial growth and were shaped by regional puppet traditions. The tradition developed into a fixed cultural element that documented the social life and customs of that era.
The performances blend Valencian and Spanish narration, with metallic reed vocalizations giving each character a distinctive voice. This bilingual approach and the unique sound effects reflect the local identity of the Alcoy region and how residents have passed down these traditions across generations.
Performances run from late autumn through December, with booking information available through the official website or by phone. Arrive early to familiarize yourself with the theater's layout and its particular staging style before the show begins.
The rod puppets use a special manipulation technique operated from below, allowing for lengthwise and sideways movements. This particular handling style sets them apart from modern string puppets and creates a unique form of stage expression.
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