Mollet del Vallès recently hosted its 19th International Puppet Show (MITMO), drawing thousands of people to the city's streets and squares. The event, held from 17 to 19 April, cemented its reputation as a major cultural highlight for the city and a significant regional and national reference point for puppetry.
Tickets for performances at venues such as Mercat Vell, Centre Cultural La Marineta, and Sala Fiveller sold out completely. The Mollet del Vallès City Council organised the show, with production and artistic direction provided by the company Galiot Teatre.
Record Attendance and Diverse Performances
The 19th International Puppet Show (MITMO) featured 13 companies, presenting 20 different shows across 34 performances. Seven Catalan companies participated, alongside three from Zaragoza, Granada, and Burgos in Spain. Additionally, three international companies travelled from Portugal, the Czech Republic, and Senegal to perform.
Councillor for Culture and Commerce, Mercè Pérez Piedrafita, praised the event's success. She stated, "Once again, the Show demonstrated a clear commitment to artistic diversity and performance quality, making the art of puppetry accessible to audiences of all ages."
Councillor Highlights Artistic Diversity
Pérez Piedrafita further highlighted the programme's impact. She added, "This varied, inclusive, and attractive programme not only led to great public participation but also enhanced the city's prestige as a top-tier cultural centre." She also extended gratitude to those involved in the organisation, the public, the city, visitors, and local businesses.
International Collaboration and Local Impact
The programme primarily targeted children and families, offering a variety of engaging stage proposals. However, Saturday evening included a dedicated adult show, "Franc," by A Bolhade from Torres Vedras, Portugal. This Portuguese town maintains a collaboration agreement with Mollet del Vallès to internationalise their respective carnivals.
Large-format itinerant shows also proved a significant attraction. Notably, the Roseland Musical company from Senegal and Barcelona presented a performance celebrating cultural diversity. Furthermore, Galiot Teatre's interactive installations allowed children and families to experience puppetry firsthand, fostering engagement and creativity.
The International Puppet Show continues to reinforce Mollet del Vallès' position as a vital cultural hub within Catalonia, attracting diverse talent and audiences year after year.
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Originally published by Mollet del Vallès. Read original article.
