MALUGA - XII Luso-Galician Puppet Festival
The XII edition of MALUGA brings puppets and animated forms to the streets and venues of Caminha and Vila Praia de Âncora. Companies from Portugal and Galicia gather under the theme 'From Tradition to Modernity', with shows for all ages.
The MALUGA — Luso-Galician Puppet Festival returns in 2026 for its XII edition, taking place between May 30 and June 7 in Caminha, Vila Praia de Âncora, and Esposende. Organized by the Municipalities of Caminha and Esposende, with production by the Krisálida theatre company, the festival transforms the Alto Minho region into a living stage for puppet arts.
Under the theme 'From Tradition to Modernity', this edition offers a journey through the aesthetic diversity of puppetry, crossing popular tradition, contemporary creation, visual theatre, music, humor, and proposals for different audiences. Renowned companies from both sides of the border participate, including A Xanela de Maxín, Tanxarina Títeres, Urze Teatro, Maria de Vasconcelos, and the host Krisálida.
In June, performances concentrate in Vila Praia de Âncora. On June 6, at 5:00 PM, the show 'Tínhamos uma Casa Tão Bonita' premieres at the Cineteatro dos Bombeiros Voluntários de Vila Praia de Âncora, while at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM 'Circo Galaico' animates public spaces. On June 7, the final day, 'As Divas Penduradas' performs at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM in open-air spaces, closing the festival at 5:00 PM with 'Coralinda' at the Cineteatro.
Tickets for indoor shows are on sale at the Tourist Offices of Caminha and Vila Praia de Âncora. Street activities are free admission. The festival is a unique opportunity to discover the poetic universe of Iberian puppetry in a privileged setting between the Minho river and the Atlantic Ocean.
