The Mall of Istanbul is hosting the 20th International Puppet Festival for the third time, offering magnificent performances from some of the world's most famous puppeteers from Nov. 20 to Nov. 22.

Legendary puppeteers will include Toni Zafra from Spain, Karromato from the Czech Republic and The Fifth Wheel from Russia, who will perform at the Mall of Istanbul Amphitheater. All of the shows at the puppet festival are open to visitors. Also, visitors will be able to participate in workshops in which they can learn how to make their own puppets.

Zafra will perform his show,"Little World." The joyous show of the puppeteer,who dances with colorful puppets such as a clown, gorilla, horse, crab and ballette dancer will be presented in three sessions at 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 20.

The world-famous puppet circus Karromato from the Czech Republic will perform the show "The Wooden Circus." Bringing an entertaining display of circus characters, including clowns, lions and dancers, to the mini stage of puppets, Karromato will be onstage with two sessions at 5p.m. and 6p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 21.

The Fifth Wheel, a world-famous Russian puppetry group, will present dances of Spain, the Middle East, Far East, North America, Latin America and even Anatolia, featuring local characters unique to these cultures in their show "Cabaret on a String." The artists use large marionettes to perform the show, which features world music and plenty of humor. "Cabaret on a String" will have three sessions at 4p.m., 5p.m. and 6p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 22.

Weekend puppet workshops

Those who want to explore their creativity after watching the puppet shows can attend puppet workshops at Mall of Istanbul. Participants will get to design colorful puppets in the company of puppet artist Cengiz Özek, and will receive the creations as a gift at the end of the workshop. The "Puppet Show Time" workshop will be held from 1p.m. until 2p.m. and 3until 4p.m. on Saturday on the first floor of Mall of Istanbul. The "Marionette" workshop will take place at 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. on the G floor on Saturday. On Sunday, the "Marionette" workshop will be held at 1p.m., 2p.m. and 3p.m. The workshops are open to all visitors.