Puppets are one of the most theatrical representations in relation to our childhood. Doll elements are moved by the hands of an expert puppeteer, sometimes through strings, other times by putting their hands in the dolls, and the fairytales or stories they represent should be shown at any fiesta mayor, children’s party or children’s fair. This fantastic event has found the perfect place for showing it, and the Parque del Retiro is now seen as one of the nerve centers for puppets shows in the capital of Spain. Today, this article by ShMadrid will tell you more about the charming Puppet Theatre of Parque del Retiro.
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See Madrid’s best puppets in El Retiro
Photo via Pixabay
The Puppet Theatre of El Retiro is an extraordinary experience in Europe. It has been characterized by keeping up the Madrid tradition of going to El Retiro to see the puppets, which dates all the way back to the seventeenth century, when the palace gardens of El Retiro were opened to citizens. It used to be exclusively for the courtiers before, but now citizens could also enjoy this form of amusement. The festival has a solid program every Saturday and Sunday of the year, and they also organize a 2-month summer festival. The location is a small open-air municipal auditorium, that offers all activities free of charge for children. For centuries, it has resulted in this theatre having its own identity and a consistent public. Shows are modified regularly, which keeps the public fascinated by the variety and quality of the performances. Here you can see the flyer, with what you can enjoy at the Puppet Theatre of El Retiro for the next few months.
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Photo via Pixabay
The Puppet Theatre of El Retiro is, both for children and adults, one of the most beautiful traditional activities in Madrid. It keeps this charming form of theatre, which is present in our culture from Cervantes to García Lorca, alive. It also introduces the secrets of theatrical fun to children in the city, teaching them dramatic art as future spectators. The Puppet Theatre is located at Avinguda de México (Parque del Retiro entrance through the Puerta de la Independencia), without number. You can contact the organization at 915885394, through its website or by email at sgcoordycultura@madrid.es. To access the park you can take metro L2 and get off at Retiro, or you can come by train and get off at Madrid-Atocha. Bus lines 1, 2, 9, 15, 19, 20, 28, 51, 52, 79, 146 and 202 will also bring you close to the park. The performance schedules are: Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Remember that capacity is limited, and that the entrance is free, as we have mentioned before. We advise you go a little bit earlier, so you can easily take your seats to see the show comfortably. If you like puppets and if you have young children, a trip to Parque del Retiro can be an ideal activity, especially when the weather is lovely.
Have you visited the Puppet Theatre of El Retiro yet? Did you like it?
