The Opera dei Pupi
Puppet theatre of armoured marionettes telling the tales of Charlemagne's paladins. It is recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage.
Puppets and Sicilian traditions
Things you find only here: the puppet theatre, painted carts, festivals.
Editorial selection: not official data. Times and prices are not given: check the venue's or museum's own website.
Antonio Pasqualino International Puppet Museum
The museum of puppets and marionettes from around the world, in Palermo. It runs shows and workshops: check the calendar on its website.
Mimmo Cuticchio Puppet Opera Theatre
The theatre of the Cuticchio family, which hands down oral storytelling (cunto) and the puppet theatre, at via Bara all'Olivella 95. The repertoire includes the deeds of the paladins of France and stories of bandits and saints; stories may be split across several evenings and end with a battle scene. Dates, times and language of the shows: check the theatre's website (figlidartecuticchio.com) or call the box office (091 323400).
Balarm, Teatro dell'Opera dei Pupi Mimmo Cuticchio (portale culturale, non ufficiale)
The Sicilian cart
The hand-painted cart with scenes of history and legend, a symbol of rural Sicily. Seen in museums and at some festivals.
Festino of Santa Rosalia
The great festival of Palermo's patron saint in mid-July, with a procession and fireworks. Exact dates change each year.
2 November: the day of the dead
During the night between 1 and 2 November, children find gifts brought by their departed relatives. People eat frutta martorana (almond paste shaped and coloured) and the sweets of the dead.
13 December: Saint Lucy
In Palermo, on Saint Lucy's day people avoid bread and pasta and eat arancine, together with cuccìa (boiled wheat).
19 March: Saint Joseph
For Saint Joseph, people set up large tables and eat pasta con le sarde and sfince di San Giuseppe, fried choux with ricotta cream.
Last reviewed: 4 November 2026