Sicilian Puppets with Daniel
Step inside a historic Ortigia workshop to sculpt, paint, and bring your own Sicilian puppet to life with third-generation master puppeteer Daniel. Discover the secrets of this UNESCO-recognized tradition while immersing in Sicily’s rich cultural heritage. Outside the studio, explore ancient ruins, savor Sicily’s renowned regional cuisine, and soak up the Mediterranean sun.
- Snacks, Coffee, & Tea
Pricing
- One Guest
- USD $1190
- Additional guest(s) (max 4)
- USD $555
Meet the Artist
Daniel is a distinguished Sicilian puppeteer and artisan, representing the third generation of his family devoted to the Opera dei Pupi—the storied tradition of Sicilian marionette theater, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Working alongside his parents in their historic workshop, he carries this legacy forward, infusing it with his own contemporary artistic vision.
Daniel’s practice is centered on handcrafted warrior pupi (puppets) in sizes ranging from 27 cm to 80 cm, each one customizable in character, armor, facial features, and colors. A hallmark of his work is the expressive papier-mâché face, sculpted by hand from an initial clay mold—a Syracusan tradition that allows each puppet to convey unique emotion, personality, and presence. No two faces are alike, and each puppet is a character in its own right—perfectly balanced for performance with ornate costumes, metallic armor, and limbs designed to move with lifelike weight. In addition to creating and restoring pupi, Daniel stages live performances, turning his workshop into a living theater. He also crafts medieval-inspired jewelry and sacred statues, expanding his practice while remaining rooted in tradition.
To Daniel, mastery means more than skill—it’s a cultural responsibility. He loves to share the layered stories behind this art form as a way to share stories of rebellion, feel the rhythm of traditional tools, and continue the legacy, one puppet at a time.
Daniel’s practice is centered on handcrafted warrior pupi (puppets) in sizes ranging from 27 cm to 80 cm, each one customizable in character, armor, facial features, and colors. A hallmark of his work is the expressive papier-mâché face, sculpted by hand from an initial clay mold—a Syracusan tradition that allows each puppet to convey unique emotion, personality, and presence. No two faces are alike, and each puppet is a character in its own right—perfectly balanced for performance with ornate costumes, metallic armor, and limbs designed to move with lifelike weight. In addition to creating and restoring pupi, Daniel stages live performances, turning his workshop into a living theater. He also crafts medieval-inspired jewelry and sacred statues, expanding his practice while remaining rooted in tradition.
To Daniel, mastery means more than skill—it’s a cultural responsibility. He loves to share the layered stories behind this art form as a way to share stories of rebellion, feel the rhythm of traditional tools, and continue the legacy, one puppet at a time.
VAWAA Includes:
- Immerse in the thousand-year-old tradition of Sicilian puppetry in a historic workshop.
- Discover the cultural symbolism, gestures, and techniques behind each puppet.
- Learn to sculpt a puppet’s expressive face using the traditional Syracusan method of papier-mâché over a clay mold.
- Assemble the puppet’s body with wooden and metal parts, learning how each component contributes to lifelike movement.
- Paint facial features and create decorative armor or costume details by hand.
- Practice the basics of puppet articulation and movement.
- Learn how improvisation and storytelling bring the characters to life on stage.
- Discuss craftsmanship, identity, and the role of artisans in preserving cultural memory.
- Your own 55cm handcrafted puppet.
Explore Syracuse, Sicily
Syracuse, located on Sicily’s southeastern coast, is a city with a rich ancient history and vibrant living traditions. Its historic center, Ortigia, is famed for winding alleys, baroque architecture, and an underground tunnel network rivaled only by Rome. Shaped by Greeks, Arabs, Normans, and Spaniards, Syracuse carries their legacies in every stone and story. Here, the Opera dei Pupi—Sicily’s traditional marionette theater and a UNESCO-recognized Intangible Cultural Heritage—is more than a show; it’s a living expression of the city’s identity. Puppetry comes alive not only on stage but in squares and markets, reflecting Syracuse’s vibrant culture. Daniel’s puppets echo this rich past, with the city itself fueling his craft. You can also savor fresh seafood, Sicilian sweets, and local specialties in lively markets and seaside trattorias, making Syracuse a true feast for the senses.
Additional Details
Syracuse is a lovely destination year-round, with each season offering its own charm and cultural events. Winter is quieter, with fewer happenings, but it's the best time to experience the island of Ortigia without tourist crowds.
Adults 18 and older, elders, and individuals with accessibility or special needs are welcome. While there is one 25 cm step at the studio entrance, the interior is accessible for wheelchair users.
Daniel speaks both Italian and English.
Adults 18 and older, elders, and individuals with accessibility or special needs are welcome. While there is one 25 cm step at the studio entrance, the interior is accessible for wheelchair users.
Daniel speaks both Italian and English.