In the Czech Republic, there’s a long and rich tradition of puppet theatre and making marionettes.
The Czech art is so influential that it’s been added to UNESCO’s list of ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’, which raises awareness of artistic traditions across the world.
The Czech art of puppetry dates back to the 18th century, and today there are nine professional puppet theatres across the country and over 100 professional puppet companies.
In Prague you’ll see puppets for sale in every souvenir shop – of wildly fluctuating quality.
I spotted these fabulous puppets in a specialist shop inside the walls of Prague Castle.
But as the shop was unbearably crowded at the height of the tourist season, I made my escape before being tempted to buy one. (Which is unusual for me, as I normally come back from my adventures with a suitcase stuffed with folk art, gruesome ceremonial masks and other curios!)
