Shadow theatre, popular in many Asian countries, appears to have arrived in mainland Greece during Ottoman rule. As the Ottoman Empire grew, the shadow theatre tradition spread and evolved according to local customs, languages ​​and stories, becoming one of the most popular folk performances in all of Asia as well as the Balkans and helping to maintain the languages ​​and traditions of different places alive.

Despite being a poor and simple man, Karagiozis uses his cunning to extricate himself from difficult situations and often makes fun of different characters, usually emblems of an entire social class or professional category, dragging them into his desperate adventures. The story provides an opportunity for the puppeteer to satire on prominent personalities, professions and contemporary issues, making the show fun for adults too.

The long arm of Karagiozis is used to steal, the marked back is a symbol of the hardships and difficulties of which he is the spokesperson. Thanks to his clumsy movements, strange and tattered clothes, clever puns and numerous linguistic errors, Karagiozis has become a real folk hero much loved by the Greek public.

The puppets are traditionally made with camel or donkey leather worked until it is semi-transparent, cut into the desired shape and painted with vegetable pigments. The figures move behind a cloth illuminated by candles or lamps, creating an evocative play of shadows and colours.

Do not miss the opportunity to meet Karagiozis personally if you get the chance, enjoy the atmosphere and bring a little piece of Greece home with you!