Sicilian Marionettes

Hi Jean,

If you are looking for semi-authentic, fun puppets, I got mine in Catania. Most likely, Palermo will sell very similar.

The "Sicilian Solider" is very popular. It has different colored feathers in their helmut (to choose from.) You can find them at gift shops. One gift shop had a big display in front of their store.

In the Piazza Duomo, near the Fontana dell'Elefante, there are a few gift shops selling puppets, Pinocchio, the "tradional" Sicilian wagon, and Dolls < Dolls and Wagons stamped "Made In Italy and boxed." Or at least the ones I bought.

There are different sizes of the Sicilian soldier to choose from. Solider puppets started at about 5€. (Bring a few sheets of thin bubble wrap to wrap your souvenirs securely.)

I also got a Pinocchio puppet for about 7 or 8€. It is about 13" or so in length, is dressed in red satin pants, wooden shoes, white blouse, etc. It is really cute. Typical "dancing" puppet. I don't think that was made in Italy, lol, but I liked it. I have not seen anything like that here in the States - usually the wooden Pinocchio's sold in Home Goods and TJ Maxx.

Have fun shopping.

Adding a thought: I did not really see collectible, one of a kind puppets made by artists. They probably, or may, make them/sell them somewhere. And of course, you would pay a higher price for their uniqueness, crafting, etc.

Also Jean, I found this very old article - it is an interesting read if you like
https://www.nytimes.com/1996/10/20/travel/the-stately-puppets-of-sicily.html

We saw them all over Sicily, in various sizes, at most souvenir shops. Imported, not exactly handcrafted, but not expensive.

That gives me a point to start looking...

Thanks all,

Jean