Sicilian Puppet Workshops in Syracuse | Bespoke Experiences

Learn the traditional art of the Puparo with Daniel Mauceri

A unique experience with our workshops dedicated to the creation of typical Sicilian puppets in the Syracuse style. These workshops are a valuable opportunity to immerse yourself in the tradition of the Puppet Opera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and to discover the art of puppet theatre, Sicilian craftsmanship and its rich cultural history.

pupi - daniel maurceri
Pupo con Armatura in Gomma
pupi - daniel maurceri
Pupo con Armatura in Metallo

Puppet-making workshop n°1

Make your own Sicilian pupo h32cm

Discover the ancient art of Sicilian puppet making in an engaging workshop that will allow you to create your very own puppet, a work of art encompassing centuries of tradition. The workshop ‘Make your own Sicilian puppet h32cm’ includes two methods of creation:

  • You will start by receiving the wooden skeleton pieces of the doll, ready to be painted and decorated according to your imagination.
  • Next, you will work on the armature: an A4 sheet with printed pieces that you will have to decorate, cut out and prepare for assembly.
  • The robes will be cut out and sewn from pannolenci, resulting in a dress that reflects your style.
  • Once all the components have been completed, they will be handed over to experienced personnel for final assembly, using specialised equipment.

  • You will receive the wooden framework parts to paint and decorate to your liking.
  • The metal armour will be worked and chiselled under the guidance of experts, following the ancient techniques of Sicilian tradition.
  • After cutting and sewing the pannolenci clothes, all the pieces will be handed over to the specialised personnel for the assembly of the puppet with specific tools.

The workshop takes place in our handicraft workshop in Syracuse – Ortigia, but we also offer the possibility of organising workshops outside the city, for large groups and in English on request. The duration is h1:30 for a single puppet. This workshop is structured to involve participants of all ages, offering a special opportunity to learn, have fun and create a work of art that encapsulates the Sicilian tradition. Whether you are a curious child or a passionate adult, this workshop will allow you to explore the magic of Sicilian puppets in a welcoming and educational environment.

Puppet-making workshop n°2

Make your own Sicilian pupo h55cm

The workshop offers a complete immersion in the art of Sicilian puppet making. Guided by master puppeteer Daniel Mauceri, participants will explore each stage of creation, from the use of raw materials such as wood, papier-mâché and metal to the making of costumes and final assembly. The puppets you will build represent true jewels of craftsmanship and creativity.

The journey begins with the modelling of the pupo’s face in clay, followed by the creation of a plaster mould to work the papier-mâché. The wooden frames will be finished and painted, while the metal armour will be cut, worked and chiselled using ancient traditional techniques. Finally, the robes will be cut and sewn, to complete the construction of your puppet under the expert guidance of the master.
Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

  • Theoretical introduction to figure theatre and differences between puppets, marionettes and puppet theatre.
  • Description of eastern and western style puppets, with a focus on the Syracuse school, characterised by their papier-mâché faces.
  • Modelling of the face of the puppet in clay and creation of the plaster mould.
  • Hand carving and machining of wooden parts.
  • Making and painting the papier-mâché face.
  • Cutting and chiselling of metal pieces for reinforcement.
  • Stitching the robes and polishing the armour.
  • Assembling all the pieces that make up the doll.

The workshop takes place in our workshop in Syracuse – Ortigia, but we also offer the possibility of organising workshops outside the city, for large groups and on request also in English. The length of the workshop is three days, with daily sessions of six hours. This course is designed for anyone wishing to approach the art of puppet opera and enjoy a unique, authentic and educational craftsmanship experience.

pupi - daniel maurceri
pupo siciliano h55cm
pupi - daniel maurceri

Puppet-making workshop n°3

Dipingi la testa del tuo Pupo siciliano

Experience the “Paint your own Sicilian Puppet head” workshop. In this laboratory, guided by the master puparo Daniel Mauceri, you will learn traditional decoration techniques, following every step to bring to life a wooden head of a paladin or a saracen.

What the workshop includes:

  • Materials provided: We provide a hand-carved wooden puppet head (12cm), brushes, acrylic paints, and everything needed for the painting process.
  • Decoration steps: Follow a structured painting path designed to guide you from the initial features to the final details that will give life to the face of your Sicilian puppet.
  • Expert guidance: Each stage is accompanied by the explanations and expert advice of the Puparo.

Duration: The workshop lasts approximately one hour and a half, during which Daniel Mauceri will share with you the secrets of puppet painting tradition.

Guided tour of the historic workshop in Syracuse

Book your artisan experience today

…and discover the art of Sicilian puppets! Interact with the master puppeteer, admire the ancient techniques of puppet making and a part of our historical collection. A unique and immersive experience that will make you experience the magic of a centuries-old tradition! Live a unique experience in our craft workshop, where Sicilian puppets come to life. During this guided tour lasting about 30 minutes, you will explore the heart of Sicilian tradition, discovering the centuries-old techniques that make Syracuse-style puppets unique. The visit begins with an introduction to figure theatre, followed by a demonstration of the process of creating a puppet, with a special focus on the papier-mâché face, a distinctive feature of Syracuse puppets. You will have the opportunity to admire the ancient techniques of working with papier-mâché and armour, modelled by embossing on a stake or chisel. Visitors will be able to interact directly with the master puppeteer, deepening their knowledge of this fascinating art. In addition, it will be possible to admire a small part of the family’s historical collection of Sicilian puppets, meeting up close with various characters of the
Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)Opera dei Pupi. To conclude, you will witness a demonstration of how the puppets are moved, discovering the magic that animates them on stage. Visits can accommodate up to 25 people at a time, with explanations available in several languages to make the experience accessible to all.

pupi - daniel mauceri - workshop