Belgium celebrates the inclusion of the Brussels’ rod puppets tradition in UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, an initiative supported by Urban and the Toone Royal Theatre.
This international recognition seals a lively, popular artistic practice which is deeply ingrained in the history of Brussels.
The Brussels rod puppet tradition can be traced back to the traveling fairground theatres from the Renaissance and is now preserved and reinterpreted in the Toone Royal Theatre, a genuine conservatory of this practice as well as the last theatre of its kind still in operation in Brussels.
A lively and inclusive tradition
The rod puppets are being operated by a team of six puppeteers and a ringmaster, a technique requiring exacting professional expertise that is passed on orally and through gesture. The repertoire, which is often parodic and improvised, blends theatre classics, folk tales and social satire, in a typical Brussels spirit of self-mockery (also referred to as “zwanze”).
The Toone Royal Theatre plays an essential role in transgenerational inheritance, the promotion of local languages and dialect and the advancement of cultural diversity. Every year, the theatre welcomes thousands of spectators of all ages and backgrounds and it trains new puppeteers in a non-formal, open-minded and inclusive setting.
A contribution to sustainable development
The UNESCO listing also reflects the rod puppeteers commitment to sustainable development through the use of recycled materials, energy-efficient craftsmanship, and raising awareness for environmental and social issues by means of their shows and workshops.
A collective effort
Although the puppeteer community might not be very large, it has shown a real commitment and resilience over time.
This nomination is the result of a participatory process, coordinated by Urban, and involving puppeteers, craftspeople, folklore association, cultural institutions and the public. It is grounded on concrete preservation measures, inventories that have been recognized on a regional and community level, as well as a dynamic of local and international cooperation.
Belgium thanks the UNESCO Cultural Heritage Committee for this distinction, which not only honours a unique form of artistic expression, but also the values of freedom, creativity and dialogue embodied by this tradition.
Discover the presentation of the dossier and the expression of gratitude in videos
Did you know?
Other Brussels traditions on the UNESCO list
Within the inventory of intangible cultural heritage of the Brussels Region, several traditions also feature on UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage or are included in the Register of Good Safeguarding Practices.
These include the Ommegang, the beer culture, the falconry, the Meyboom, the carillon culture and – more recently –, the fairground culture in France and Belgium.
A heritage to be discovered also on the Brussels movable heritage inventory
Thanks to the Brussels movable heritage inventory, a large part of the collection of the Toone Royal Theatre is accessible online. These remarkable pieces illustrate the richness and uniqueness of Brussels’ rod puppets tradition.
→ Discover the collection
The Toone Royal Theatre awarded the European Heritage Label
In April 2024, the Toone Royal Theatre was awarded the European Heritage Label. This distinction, granted by the European Commission, highlights the theatre's role in European history and culture.
