Pulcinella, A Famous Neapolitan Character

Submitted by ItalyItalia on Wed, 2011-06-08 10:30

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Meet Pulcinella, the famous masked character who symbolizes the city of Naples in southern Italy’s region of Campania.

Everywhere you turn in Naples you’re likely to spot the black masked figure dressed in white called Pulcinella. With a long nose and often carrying a tambourine or mandolin, Pulcinella is a lively and mischievous character. His stories and adventures run deep in the Neapolitan tradition, and Pulcinella is something of a local hero.

His costume and mask might remind you of the traditional Commedia dell’Arte characters famous in Venice, and indeed Pulcinella comes from the same roots. While his origins are cause for a lively debate among Neapolitan historians, Pulcinella has been a traditional character in street performances and puppet shows in Naples since the 17th century.

While Pulcinella’s character varies wildly from jovial to melancholic, what you can count on is that he’s usually a troublemaker, good for a laugh and always hungry. His wild adventures and crazy schemes often involve trying to find something to eat, which why you’ll often find his masked face on restaurant and pizzeria signs and décor throughout Naples.

Enjoy a local theatre performance or puppet show featuring Pulcinella for a glimpse of this famous Neapolitan character.