Bábkarská Bystrica is a festival that takes place every two years. The Biennale (an artistic celebration organised every two years) belongs to the profile and long-term festivals of theatre and puppet theatre in Slovakia.
The festival is organised by the Puppet Theatre at the Crossroads and the duration of this festival is 7 days. The event presents the results of current domestic and foreign trends in puppetry for adults and children. The history of the festival itself has been written since 1977, when the event was organised as a national tour of Slovak professional puppet theatres. The festival became a competitive event in 1982 and an international event in 1992.
In 2017, the festival was awarded the title: EFFE LAUREATE 2017-2018. It was awarded by the European Festival Association, making this festival one of the 26 most remarkable art festivals in Europe. Every year, visitors to this festival can look forward to a rich programme.
In one place (in the city of Banská Bystrica) and at one time, visitors can experience renowned puppet groups not only from Slovakia, but also from abroad. They can also choose from a wide range of exceptional theatres for all ages, from toddlers to adults. From the offer of performances with puppets, with objects, with masks, with physical theatre or video mapping, sign language, etc. At the same time, visitors have a unique chance to meet the figures of puppetry in Europe and discuss their work with them after the performance. These discussions are led by professional actors.
