National Day of Puppetry

National Day of Puppetry is an annual American holiday dedicated to the art of puppetry. It is celebrated each year on the fourth Saturday in April. It’s a great day to explore a variety of puppets or attend a puppet show. Let’s learn more about it!

History

The history of the National Day of Puppetry is not well-documented, but the tradition of puppet shows dates back to Ancient Greece around the 5th century B.C. The art of puppetry gradually developed, improved, and spread to different countries, much like its larger counterpart—the classical theater.

In the United States, puppet theater began to take shape in the second half of the 17th century. Unlike Europe, where puppetry gained popularity quickly, the growth of this art form in the U.S. was slower. However, the enchanting mystery and life-like movement of puppets attracted more and more audiences each year.

A significant milestone in the history of American puppetry occurred in 1937 when puppeteer Tony Sarg, along with several others, founded the Puppeteers of America. This organization played a crucial role in promoting puppetry, educating people about the craft, and advancing the skills of puppet manipulation.

Interesting Facts

• Puppets have been known since ancient times and were often used in shamanistic ceremonies for their magical significance.
• Common types of puppets include glove puppets, finger puppets, marionettes, and rod puppets. In total, there are about 10 different varieties of puppets used in theaters.
• The largest puppet ever made appeared at a carnival in Santa Fe, towering over 15 meters high.

How to Celebrate

Learn more about puppet-making and the art of puppetry. Try creating your own puppet and put on a performance! Attend a puppet show in your area to immerse yourself in this fascinating art form.

Share the joy of puppetry on social media. Ask others if they enjoy puppet shows and if they have any favorite puppetry experiences.

When is National Day of Puppetry in 2025?

National Day of Puppetry is observed on the fourth Saturday in April.

Observations