This year, the festival features a predominantly Spanish program, with the participation of a single international company from Argentina. Despite the absence of usual venues such as the Puppet Museum and the Central Lechera hall, both undergoing renovation, the organization has arranged new spaces to ensure the event proceeds smoothly.

As a prelude to the official program, the Cádiz-based company La Tía Norica will begin its traditional performances of El sainete starting on Thursday, May 7. The festival will spread across various points of the city, incorporating new venues such as the Espacio de Cultura Contemporánea (ECCO) and the pedestrianized Plaza de España.

Other stages that will host performances include the Teatro del Títere, the Baluarte de la Candelaria, and the courtyard of the Adolfo Suárez Library. Additionally, puppet shows will take place in outdoor areas such as Plaza San Lorenzo del Puntal, Plaza Candelaria, Parque de Varela, and Plaza de España. Notably, this edition will not feature any shows programmed at the Gran Teatro Falla.

The twelve participating companies, some of them award-winners at prominent puppet festivals, will present shows exploring various techniques such as glove and magic, puppets and objects, and the Cádiz perch. The themes and target audiences of the works will also be diverse. Among the groups performing in Cádiz are Atelana Teatro, La Tía Norica, Pau Segalés, Arte Fusión Títeres, El que Maqueda, Proyecto Caravana, Vidas de Alambre, La Inestable, Pequeños Duendes, Corral de García, Teatro Firulete, and Eudald Ferré & Passabarret.

One of the most unique proposals is La caravana del Doctor Masterfil, by the company Eudald Ferré & Passabarret, described as a “total show” lasting 15 minutes that evokes the atmosphere of 1950s fairground entertainers. This caravan will be set up in the Plaza de España on Sunday, May 17, coinciding with the last day of the festival.