Pulcinella

Pulcinella, often called Punch or Punchinello in English, is a classical character that originated in the Commedia dell'arte of the 17th century and became a stock character in Neapolitan puppetry. His main characteristic, from which he acquired his name, is his extremely long nose, which resembles a beak. In Latin, this was a pullus gallinaceus, which led to the word "Pulliciniello" and "Pulcinella", related to the Italian pulcino or chick.

He often wears a black mask and long white coat, and has loose and straggly hair.

Pulcinella features in an eponymous ballet by Igor Stravinsky; see Pulcinella (ballet).

Pulcinella is also the mascot of the Pulcinella Awards, annual awards for excellence in animation, presented at the Cartoons on the Bay Festival in Positano, Italy.

See also

• Punch and Judy
• Punchinello
• Pulcinella (restaurant), an Italian restaurant in London

www.pulcinella.com