Betlem de Tirisiti

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Discover one of Alcoy's most intriguing traditions and fall in love with the enchanting puppets which come to life.

Betlem de Tirisiti is a traditional nativity play featuring rod puppets that is unique to Alcoy. It has been captivating audiences since the late 19th century and is marked by its fusion of various styles that once existed in the town. To this day, the puppet show continues to charm both the young and old alike.

The characters in Betlem de Tirisiti embody a delightful blend of local customs and religious elements, featuring the serene, the sacristan, Tereseta, her husband, Tirisiti the innkeeper and the grandfather. The play includes scenes of everyday life in Alcoy and also the Moors and Christians parades.

The puppets are mounted on vertical rods and manipulated by the real stars of the show - the skilled puppeteers - who guide the characters through the richly decorated scenery from below the stage. They also use a small apparatus in their mouths called a lengüeta which modifies their voice, giving that distinctive squeaky sound. So sit back and enjoy the show! Every year, Betlem de Tirisiti marks the arrival of Christmas in Alcoy. Have you put the date in your diary? Come and fall in love with the rich cultural heritage of this amazing town.