The Train Theater initiated the Festival in 1983. Since 2001 the Festival has become an annual event, taking place every August in Jerusalem.

This year the 19th edition of the festival will take place during August 8-13, 2010.

The Festival selects performances based on variety, quality and relevance, and have hosted many artists known for their contribution to the field of puppetry and Visual Theater. During the years, the Festival has become the primal source of creation and inspiration in the field of Puppet Theater in Israel.

The Festival's program is designated mainly for audience of children and the whole family, but includes performances for adults as well. The program of the 2010 festival will include about 30 different productions with approximately 90 shows:

The best of Israeli creation:
Performances of the Train Theater's repertoire as well as other Israeli artists
Foreign productions:
9 shows from different countries.
This year the Festival will host:

Velo Theater, France - Post Man
Cie Akselere, France - The Sleeping Beauty
Thalias Comagnie, Germany - James and the Ballerine
Figuren Theatre Tubingen, Germany - Salto Lamento
Miaow Production, Belgium - Madam Rosa
Theater Gioco Vita, Italy - Frog
Girovago & Rondella Family Theater, Italy - Circo Poetico and Manoviva
Edu-Art & Therapy CCOTBBAT, Korea - Paper Window

An International Exposure for Puppet Festival Directors from all around the world, will take place as a part of the festival. Among the attending countries are The Netherlands, Germany, India and more...

a project that deals with art and community, through the combination of theater performances and guided tours for children and for adults. The dialogue between artists from the field of puppetry and Visual Theater and the environment close to the festival location will continue this year. The project is designated to take place in Mahane Yehuda market and Nachlaot neighborhood. The crowning glory of the 'Public Works' will be the festive event "Here come the Giant Puppets!" taking place on the 9th of August, Monday in Mahane Yehuda market at 18:00pm.