Antwerp has long been famous for its Poesjenellen puppet theater tradition, and among its many characters, the Neuzen (“Noses”) hold a special place — funny, mischievous stick puppets that can joke, dance, and interact with the audience.

Pulcinella (known locally as Pushinel) is Antwerp’s version of the Italian Pulcinella from the commedia dell’arte of the 16th–18th centuries. He is clever, playful, and comical, with exaggerated movements and vivid expressions. The character spread across Europe: in France he became Polichinelle, in England he is known as Punch. In Antwerp, Pushinel brings Poesjenellen performances to life, engaging both children and adults in fun, interactive games.

This tradition was vividly showcased in a flash-mob on Sunday, August 31, at Het Neuzenplein, right by the famous Nose monument. Seven living Noses (Neuzen!) from different puppet theaters in Antwerp gathered to formally announce the upcoming festival “De poesjenellen pakken uit.” To the accompaniment of Jan Gillis on accordion, the puppets sang the song “De Neus,” danced, and joked with the audience — on all sorts of topics, even the very ticklish ones. The Nose monument seemed to wink at passersby as it watched this cheerful flash-mob.

It was especially touching to see the Pushinel-Nose from my son’s school, Sint-Stanislascollege (Kleine Stan), among them. Although Ivan has already graduated, we cherish the memory of how, several years ago, we made various puppets together with other children — painting, sculpting, and rehearsing scenes. One “Pushinel-skier” still sits on our windowsill, waiting for the winter season. And now our school puppet came to life on the city stage, becoming part of a great theatrical tradition.

The festival in spring 2026 promises to bring together Pushinels from across the country, as well as new students from De Schaviezenschool, where participants can learn all the tricks of the trade and perform on stage with their own puppets. From August 31, registration for the six-month course is open via the link, giving anyone a chance to try it out.

https://erfgoedlabantwerpen.be/verhaal/de-poesje).