The Vall d’Albaida region will transform from November 5th to 8th into a grand stage for performing arts with the celebration of the 41st International Puppet Festival (MIT). The event will feature 37 performances by 18 companies, spread across theaters, auditoriums, squares, and other venues in 22 municipalities. The program merges Valencian, national, and international creations, maintaining the unique characteristic of turning the entire region into a single stage.
The official presentation, held in El Ràfol de Salem, also served to showcase the renewal underway at the Festival after its four-decade milestone. With Lola Domingo leading the artistic direction and a new visual identity designed by Migue Martí, the project aims to grow while preserving its connection to the Vall d’Albaida.
The MIT, the oldest performing arts event in the Valencian Community founded in 1985, upholds its regional essence with an international vocation. The festival brings quality proposals to municipalities of all sizes, continuously expanding its languages, techniques, and audiences.
Lola Domingo, the new artistic director, emphasized the intention to continue the built legacy: "I am not starting from scratch, but continuing work that was already in progress." The program reflects this vision, featuring creators from various autonomous communities such as Andalusia, Aragon, Catalonia, Valencian Community, Madrid, and Murcia, alongside international companies from Belgium, France, and Italy.
Featured proposals include Gota by Txema Muñoz (Max Award 2026), Nilu by the Valencian company Infinit, Rube (Carpa Award), and Ad Libitum (Lorca Award). The edition also includes shows like El Arca de Neo and Viva!, enhancing the diversity of languages.
The MIT champions puppetry as a versatile performing art form, suitable for all audiences beyond childhood. Puppets, circus, object theater, and other contemporary forms will coexist in an offering designed for diversity.
Territorial dimension is key. Ismael Sanvíctor, president of the Mancomunitat de Municipis de la Vall d’Albaida, highlighted the importance of bringing culture to "every town, every square, and every community." The Summer Puppet Festival (Mostra de Titelles d’Estiu), which continued in 2026, reinforces this territorial presence, especially in smaller municipalities.
Carolina Mengual, Culture Councilor of the Mancomunitat and mayor of El Ràfol de Salem, defined the Festival as "a part of cultural heritage and a tool for territorial cohesion." She emphasized the collective work and welcomed Lola Domingo, also acknowledging the career of Marisol Limiñana.
Ignacio Prieto, Director General of Culture of the Generalitat Valenciana, valued the combination of regional roots with the MIT's international projection, highlighting its territorial model and the capacity of puppets to move and connect with audiences of all ages.
The presentation concluded with a preview of the show Gota by Txema Muñoz, recognized with the Max Award 2026. The full program can be consulted on the official website of the International Puppet Festival of Vall d’Albaida and its social media channels.
