Marionettes as tall as houses march along Montreal streets during 375th birthday bash

Giant marionettes are taking over parts of Montrealstarting this morning,with a larger-than-life street performance as part of the city's375th anniversary bash.

The marionettes, one of which is five storeys high, were made by a French company called Royal deLuxe. TheymadetheirMontreal debut today,winding their way through the city streets and along the river.

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Theperformance began this morning in Montreal's Jeanne-Mance Park withLittle Girl-Giant wakingup in front ofhundreds of people and will continue for three days.

Little Girl-Giant andDeep Sea Diverwill also interact with onlookersas they explore the city and play out their story. Organizers also promise a few surprises along the way.

"They not only walk the city, they create scenes which allow them to tell their stories," saidMartin Bolduc, line producer ofMontreal's375th anniversary celebrations.

The marionettescan move easily due to a mix of mechanics, hydraulics and people pulling strings. Each marionette requires a team of about 30 people to help them move their arms and legs as they stroll about.

"At night, you see their chest moving, like they are breathingthat I must admit is a mechanical thing," Bolducsays.

Little Girl Giant waking up in Jeanne Mance Park

7 years ago

Duration 0:44

Giant marionettes are taking over parts of Montreal as part of the city's 375th anniversary celebrations.

"But most of it is literally human beings making them move."

Where they'll wander

The marionettes will move at an average speed of 2.25 km/h through the Gay Village, Old Portand downtown Montreal.

After starting the day in Jeanne-Mance Park, Little Girl-Giant will head down de MaisonneuveBoulevard before travelling back east near Place d'Armes for a nap. She will thenhead to bed outsideGare Viger, the historic formerrailway station and hotel on Viger Street,around 6:20 p.m. ET.

The Deep Sea Diver started hismarch from the Montreal Science Centre around 4 p.m. and will be movingthrough the Old Port until it gets to Radio-Canada around 6:15 p.m.

The marionettes will finally roam together on Sunday.

The event will wrap up Sunday evening with a parade and celebrations at CBC/Radio-Canada,where the Giants willsleep in the parking lot at the end of their routes.

Organizers also encourage people to walk, bike or take public transit to see the Giants since some streets will be closed to traffic.

The Little-Girl Giant and her dog

7 years ago

Duration 0:22

The Little-Girl Giant and her dog

• The fullscheduleand itinerary can be found here