The 2nd edition of the Puppet Festival in Querença takes place between September 25 and 27, with three days of performances, workshops and gatherings aimed at different audiences. The event is promoted by the Picada Cultural Association, with artistic direction by Jeannine Trévidic, and presents two world premieres this year: "A Boy with a Giant Heart", by Argentine artist Gustavo Núñez "Tuti", inspired by his life story, and "The Diabolical Barber", a Picada Cultural show centered on Teatro Dom Roberto and starring Adriana Pereira, who is currently the only female puppeteer of Teatro Dom Roberto active in the Algarve.
The festival also features the participation of S.A. Marionetas, which presents a documentary and a new creation around "The Marquis of Pombal and the Jesuits", recovering characters and narratives from the historical repertoire of Teatro Dom Roberto. The Rui Queiroz de Matos company participates with two proposals inspired by literary classics and leads a manipulation workshop for the general public.
The programming extends to the local community, with initiatives aimed at Querença Primary School and the elderly care home, seeking to bring together artists, residents and different generations. An exhibition of Jorge Cerqueira's puppets remains on display at the Fundação Manuel Viegas Guerreiro until the end of November, extending the artistic expression's presence in the village. The festival has the support of Loulé Municipal Council, Querença Parish Council, Fundação Manuel Viegas Guerreiro and QRER – Cooperative for the Development of Low Density Territories.
