The Magical World of Puppets arrives at Veliki Tabor Castle

Saturday filled with plays, legends and family gatherings in the heart of Croatian Zagorje

On Saturday, May 23, 2026, one of the most beautiful Croatian castles, Veliki Tabor Castle, becomes a stage filled with imagination, stories and puppet magic. The Magical World of Puppets event brings a rich all-day content for children and their families, with five puppet shows by the theater groups World of Puppets (Svijet lutaka) and Ioculatori, in the unique ambiance of Hrvatsko Zagorje.

Visitors can expect performances full of humor, music, emotions and interaction with the audience, and each of them brings a special message about friendship, togetherness, tradition and the importance of helping others.

In addition to the theater program, families will be able to tour the Veliki Tabor museum area, enjoy the Zagorje landscape and spend the day in one of the most important cultural and historical monuments of continental Croatia.

PROGRAM

11:30 a.m. – Grandpa and the Turnip (2 – 10 years)
A warm and cheerful puppet show inspired by a famous folk tale takes children through a story about togetherness, friendship and the importance of helping others. Through humor, song and interaction with the audience, young viewers discover how even the biggest challenges can be overcome when everyone works together.

12:00 p.m. – Stone Soup (from 4 years)
In the puppet show Stone Soup we will meet a hungry young man who stumbled upon stingy villagers, and see how he got his fill through cunning. The show will teach us how it is a great good to share food with each other, which is much tastier then.

12:30 p.m. – Elmer and the Lost Bear (1.5 – 5 years)
A gentle and playful show follows the beloved colorful elephant Elmer in search of his lost honey. Through an emotional and fun adventure, children learn about friendship, empathy, acceptance of differences and the importance of mutual assistance.

1:00 PM – The Legend of Veronica of Desinić (from 4 years old)
The medieval traveling puppet theater Ioculatori brings an exciting story about court intrigue and the forbidden love between Frederick of Celje and Veronica of Desinić. The performance for all ages, in the spirit of old times, brings to life one of the most famous Croatian legends, right in the space that has preserved the story of Veronica for centuries.

1:30 PM – My Grandfather's Treasure Chest (3 – 9 years old)
A dramatized puppet show full of songs, dances, interesting stories and games that stimulates children's interest in learning about folk customs and traditions. Through warm and entertaining stories of grandparents about their childhood, games, holidays and customs, young viewers learn about the values ​​of family, togetherness and Croatian cultural heritage.

In addition to a rich program for children, this is an opportunity for a family outing and enjoying the beauties of the Hrvatsko Zagorje. Veliki Tabor is one of the best preserved late medieval and Renaissance forts in continental Croatia and a favorite destination for numerous visitors and history buffs.

Admission is FREE during the performances, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. After the performances, admission is charged according to the regular price list.

The organizers invite all families to spend Saturday in nature, culture and play and step into the magical world of puppets, stories and legends with the youngest!