Founded in 1961, the World Puppet Theatre Festival sets the standard internationally and is an unmissable event in the world of the Puppet Arts. It takes place every two years in Charleville-Mézières. Every year, around 250 troupes from five continents meet to present their creations to over 150,000 spectators from all over the world. For 10 days, the World Puppet Theatre Festival organises around 200 shows as part of the main event and fringe festival, street shows, meetings, exhibitions and other festivities. The techniques presented range from the traditional, with glove and string puppets, to more contemporary innovations via marionnettes portées (puppets controlled by rods at the back) and shadow theatre.