Titeradas: The Most Iconic Puppets of Yucatán

Titeradas: los títeres más icónicos de Yucatán, Titeradas: el pasado, presente y futuro de los títeres más icónicos de Yucatán.

Yucatán's history is filled with visionaries who left their mark on the hearts of its people, such as Eduardo Urzaiz Rodríguez, the writer of México's first science fiction novel, and Elvia Carrillo Puerto, one of the organizers of the country's first feminist congress. Among these great minds is Wilberth Herrera, a playwright and actor known for founding Titeradas, a theatrical company specializing in puppets that became a beloved part of many Yucatecan childhoods.

Titeradas: The Past, Present, and Future of Yucatán's Most Iconic Puppets

How Titeradas began

Titeradas began as a small family project. In the 1970s, Wilberth wasn't happy with the TV shows his kids were watching, thinking they weren't sending the right messages to children. So, in 1972, he turned off the TV, wrote some scripts, and started putting on puppet shows at home. Through his stories, he wanted to teach his kids universal values like love, friendship, and even hygiene, all while making them laugh.

This artistic experiment was a huge hit with his kids, who soon started inviting their neighbors, friends, and schoolmates. Before long, a big community of fans formed, all loving Don Wilberth's stories and puppets. This success inspired the Herrera family to open the Maravilla party hall, which was the only one in México at the time with a special area for puppets. In 1978, they inaugurated Teatro Pedrito, the first puppet theater in México. From then on, the Herrera family dedicated themselves to writing and performing puppet shows, officially founding their own theater company in 1987.

The most beloved characters of Titeradas

Titeradas' shows are loved for their unforgettable characters, like the iconic Lela Oxkutzcaba, an irreverent Yucatecan Mestiza known for her honesty and principles, and Chereque, Lela's romantic and chivalrous suitor who is madly in love with her. The cast also included Tía Venus (who only spoke Maya), Doña Mireya and her bright, kind son Hugo Fernando, and Doña Nena and her spoiled son Totoyo, as well as others like Idiotina, el Butaque, and Doña Zoila. These puppets starred in hilarious parodies like "La Lela de las Galaxias" (a parody of Star Wars), "Lelanieves y los 7 Chaparros" (a parody of Snow White), and "La Pastorlela (a story based on the nativity of Jesus, starring Titeradas’ characters).”

Part of Don Wilberth's genius was his ability to create shows that were deep, thoughtful, and critical, even though they were aimed at children. Many of his works not only taught important values but also touched on sensitive topics like the social conflicts in different Yucatecan communities. Moreover, he never stopped striving to faithfully represent all facets of Yucatecan society, adding characters like Doña Mireya, Lela's comadre and a proud Yucatecan-Lebanese woman, and Doña Nena, a frequent traveler to Houston.

Titeradas on Yucatecan television

Titeradas' fame grew so much that they even produced their own television programs on local channels. Broadcast regionally for nine years, Yucatecans could tune in every week to watch episodes featuring Lela's adventures and Don Wilberth's antics.

Sadly, Don Wilberth passed away in October 2011, leaving behind a huge legacy of laughter, entertainment, and learning. To honor his contributions, the Mexican government awarded him the National Prize for Arts and Sciences in Arts and Popular Traditions, posthumously.

The story of Titeradas continues

But wait: the story doesn't end there. Titeradas lives on! Under the leadership of Andrea Herrera, Don Wilberth's daughter, the company has entered a new phase, tackling contemporary themes without abandoning its long-standing theatrical tradition. For instance, they now have characters like Chichí Lochi and her grandson, symbolizing the relationship between the old and young generations of Yucatán.

They have also formed alliances with various companies and hotel chains, allowing them to bring the magic of puppetry far beyond their theater in Mérida. They've even started uploading episodes of their show to YouTube!

The latest Titeradas productions blend original music with various puppetry techniques, including marionettes, muppets, blacklight puppets, and rod puppets. You can catch all of these every Sunday at noon at the famous Teatro Pedrito.

So now you know: dedicate a Sunday, with or without your family, to attending one of their shows. Put your phone down for a while and immerse yourself in the wonderful world of Yucatecan children's comedy.

Calle 55 #514-A x 62 y 64, Centro, Mérida
Cel. 999 353 1152
contacto.titeradas@gmail.com
www.titeradas.com
IG: @titeradas
FB: Titeradas
YT: Titeradas 
Sunday 12 pm
Admission: $150 pesos adults/ $100 pesos children