© Christian Diotte, |
As the Festival international de Casteliers returns to Montréal from March 2 to 8, 2026, artists, creators, and audiences from Canada and abroad will gather for an opportunity to exchange, share and create in the art of puppetry.
For more than two decades, the festival has contributed to the growth and visibility of the art of puppetry locally while maintaining strong international connections, and this year showcasing artists from Canada, France, Belgium, and Italy. Through works that explore nature, memory, imagination, and the shared human experience, Casteliers plays a significant role within Canada’s cultural ecosystem and broadens public access to the many facets of this distinctive art form. I wish you an enriching festival and extend my thanks to the organizers, artists, and partners whose contributions make this event possible.
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Célébrons la magie du 11e art!
Depuis plus de deux décennies, le Festival international de Casteliers nous invite à explorer des univers où l’imaginaire s’épanouit et où et la poésie se glisse dans chaque geste. Cette rencontre unique permet de révéler toute la créativité et le talent des marionnettistes d’ici et d’ailleurs, devant un public conquis et des diffuseurs et programmateurs venus du monde entier. Le gouvernement est fier de soutenir cette célébration du 11e art. Félicitations à l’équipe organisatrice, et merci aux partenaires ainsi qu’aux artistes dont la passion et l’engagement font naître des instants d’émerveillement et de découverte. Bon festival à tous!
Mathieu Lacombe Ministre de la Culture et des Communications
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© Normand Huberdeau |
Montréal’s Festival international de Casteliers brings a unique spirit to the magical world of puppetry. A true hub of wonder, this festival offers an exciting mix of performances where materials, shadows, and objects are transformed into a language of their own. Casteliers creates a wealth of meetups and residencies for artists to network and collaborate, while building international connections that are sure to inspire our collective imagination. The Conseil is proud to have been a supporter for nearly 20 years.
This 21st edition marks a new beginning, with the arrival of Myriam Larose as its Artistic Director and the visionary legacy of Louise Lapointe, whose work we cherish and applaud. Have a great festival and enjoy the shows!
Nathalie Maillé Executive Director
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What a joy to welcome the Festival international de Casteliers back for its 21st edition! Outremont will move to the rhythm of puppetry, the “11th art” that amazes and unites us all. Once again this year, talented artists from around the world will share their creativity and passion with the young and young-at-heart. Get ready to experience some truly magical moments!
We are proud that our borough is home to Les Casteliers, creators and purveyors of culture. Their exceptional efforts enrich our community and extend Outremont’s cultural influence far beyond the borough. To underscore our identity as a puppet-friendly city, in 2025 we dedicated a mural and an outdoor space in honour of the great Micheline Legendre, a pioneer of puppetry in Québec and internationally. A well-deserved tribute to this inspiring Outremontaise! I invite you to come discover, laugh, dream and marvel at the Festival international de Casteliers, a unique event that provides us all with an opportunity to immerse ourselves in culture and share unforgettable experiences. Don’t miss this exceptional happening!
Outremont Borough Mayor
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Myriame Larose & Geneviève Therrien © Christian Brault
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What brings us together
This 21st edition of Festival international de Casteliers, festival founder Louise Lapointe’s final opus, celebrates object theatre by showcasing its pioneers, those who are currently reinventing the art form, as well as the next generation of innovative artists. Shows that are like portraits; works that examine humanity both in its internal workings and through its failures and weaknesses, with plenty of humour, a touch of lightness and, above all, remarkable inventiveness. Other puppetry forms, both experimental and traditional, round out this selection of works, reflecting the vitality of the 11th art! Above all, we believe a festival is an opportunity to come together, get to know each other, reconnect, challenge ourselves, break down barriers between artistic practices, shine a spotlight on creative work, and make it accessible to everyone. We believe that performing arts can make a difference, that puppetry is powerful, and that a festival on a human scale can have a huge impact on the community. Casteliers wishes to thank its many public and private partners for their vital support. Their contributions ensure the continued success of this annual event, where audiences, artists from here and abroad, and puppets converge!
Enjoy the festival!
Geneviève Therrien
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