Puppet Workshops Launched in New Haven

The city has kicked off weekly workshops to prepare giant puppets for the upcoming annual parade.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Puppetry

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Do you believe local arts workshops and parades effectively build community in your neighborhood?

Residents in New Haven have begun gathering at Edgewood Park for weekly puppet-making workshops. These sessions are in anticipation of the 16th annual Giant Puppet And People Making Mayhem Parade.

Why it matters

The workshop provides a space for community-building through shared artistic creation. Participants collaborate to build large-scale puppets in preparation for the local neighborhood celebration.

This year marks the 16th annual edition of the Giant Puppet And People Making Mayhem Parade. The workshop series at Coogan Pavilion runs weekly leading up to November 1.

The players

Westville Village Renaissance Alliance

This community organization supports the annual parade and various local improvement projects.

The details

Participants at Coogan Pavilion use cardboard, paint, tape, and hot glue to construct puppets by scoring flat materials into cylinders. These components are joined and strengthened with newspaper strips dipped in plant-based paper mâché.

Workshops take place every Saturday through November 1.
The annual parade will occur in Westville after Halloween.

Industry Dynamics

This community-driven event demonstrates the enduring appeal of grassroots puppetry traditions in urban arts programming. The reliance on locally produced, handmade art stands as a contrast to increasingly commercialized large-scale entertainment productions.

Residents interested in participating can visit the Coogan Pavilion on Saturdays to join the ongoing construction of parade puppets. All necessary supplies including cardboard and cutters are available for attendees.

The takeaway

Engaging in communal art projects offers a practical way for neighbors to connect while contributing to local cultural traditions. Interested participants should note that paper mâché components typically require one week to fully harden.