The island of Cres, the pearl of the Kvarner Gulf known for its untouched nature, rich history and tradition, is preparing to become the epicenter of a completely new artistic story. An ambitious project called "CRES ISLAND OF PUPPETRY" is underway, an initiative that aims to transform this beautiful island into an internationally recognized stage for puppetry art. The idea is to create a unique synergy between local cultural heritage, traditional puppetry skills, and contemporary artistic practices, while attracting artists and puppetry enthusiasts from all over the world. This vision not only enriches the island's cultural offerings but also positions it as an essential destination for all those seeking authentic and creative experiences. If you are planning to visit this magical island, explore accommodation options on Cres and be part of this upcoming cultural renaissance.

A blend of ancient legends and contemporary art

At the very core of this initiative lies the fascinating idea of merging the rich intangible heritage of the island of Cres with classic puppetry techniques. The legends, stories, and fables of Cres, passed down through generations by word of mouth, represent an inexhaustible source of inspiration. Stories of fairies, mythical creatures, hidden treasures, and historical figures will now be given new life through the medium of puppet shows. The project aims to encourage creative collaboration that will allow these indigenous narratives to be interpreted in a fresh and innovative way, using puppets as the main protagonists. Through this process, the local heritage will not only be saved from oblivion but will be actively reinterpreted and presented to a wider, international audience. The creation of the shows will take place in specific, carefully selected locations across the island, using natural settings as authentic stage spaces, which will further emphasize the connection between art and the environment.

Return to nature: Wood, stone, and wool as stage materials

One of the fundamental principles of the "CRES ISLAND OF PUPPETRY" project is a deep connection with nature, manifested through the conscious choice of materials for making puppets and scenography. Instead of modern, synthetic materials, the focus is on using what the island of Cres abundantly offers: wood, stone, and wool. These natural resources are not only environmentally sustainable, but they also carry a strong symbolic value, connecting each work of art with the soil and tradition from which it grows. The wood of olive or oak trees, worked by the hands of skilled craftsmen, will become the body of a puppet, the white stone of Cres can serve as part of the scenography, while the wool of the indigenous Cres sheep, the Pramenka, will be used to make costumes and details. Such an approach not only emphasizes ecological awareness and sustainability but also results in the creation of unique, authentic works of art that carry the spirit of the island within them. Through workshops dedicated to processing these materials, participants will have the opportunity to connect directly with the natural wealth of Cres, learning traditional techniques and applying them in a contemporary artistic context.

Revival of classic puppetry techniques

In an era of digital dominance, the project places special emphasis on the revitalization and promotion of classic puppetry forms. The focus will be on the return to traditional puppets that have marked the history of this art. The plan is to organize educations, workshops, and productions of shows that will bring the magic of different techniques closer to the audience. Among them, the following stand out:

• Glove puppets (ginjols): Hand puppets that are put on the hand, and the animator moves their head and hands with their fingers. Known for their direct interaction with the audience and expressiveness, they are ideal for comical and dynamic performances.


• Javanese puppets (javajke): Rod puppets originating from Indonesian tradition. The animator holds them from below, controlling the head and body with a central rod, while the hands are moved with thinner sticks. Their movements are fluid and graceful.


• Rod puppets: Similar to Javanese puppets, but often larger and more robust, these puppets are also moved by the animator from below using a system of rods. They allow for more complex group scenes and are often used in shows of an epic nature.


• Marionettes: Puppets that are animated from above, using strings or wires connected to different parts of the puppet's body, which are attached to a wooden cross (control). They are considered the most complex type of puppets to animate, allowing for extremely refined and realistic movements.

An international stage on the Kvarner island

The project's vision transcends local boundaries, striving to establish Cres as a relevant place on the world puppetry map. A key step in achieving this goal is the planned collaboration with the World Puppetry Association – UNIMA (Union Internationale de la Marionnette). A partnership with this prestigious organization will provide the project with international visibility, credibility, and access to a global network of artists, festivals, and resources. By including foreign artists, puppeteers, directors, and playwrights, the initiative will gain a fresh perspective and stimulate a valuable exchange of ideas, knowledge, and creative practices. The organization of an international puppetry event, festival, or residential program on Cres will bring together artists from different cultural backgrounds, creating a dynamic environment for collaboration and joint creation. Such an intercultural platform will enrich not only the project but also the entire cultural scene of the island, making it an attractive place to live, work, and visit. All these international artists and guests will need a place to stay, so it is important to secure adequate accommodation on the island of Cres in time.

More than art: Sustainable development and community involvement

"CRES ISLAND OF PUPPETRY" is designed as a project with a long-term and far-reaching impact that goes beyond the artistic performances themselves. One of the key goals is to promote sustainable cultural tourism. By attracting visitors interested in culture, art, nature, and tradition, the project contributes to the development of a tourist offer that is not solely dependent on the summer months. This creates added value for the local economy and encourages year-round interest in the island. At the same time, the active involvement of the local community is of utmost importance. A series of educational programs, creative workshops, and volunteer actions are planned for the island's residents, with a special focus on children and young people. In this way, the project becomes the property of the entire community, ensuring the transfer of knowledge and skills to younger generations and strengthening the sense of local identity and pride. Through puppetry, Cres not only tells its old stories but also writes a new chapter of its future, in a harmonious coexistence of nature, tradition, and artistic innovation. Arriving at such an event is an ideal opportunity for a vacation, and accommodation on Cres offers numerous options for every visitor.