Monster Troupe: Celebrating the Spirit of Halloween and Community Artistry
Welcome to the home of the Monster Troupe, a vibrant and dynamic group that has become an integral part of the Portsmouth Halloween Parade. Our journey began as a small collective of local artists and enthusiasts, united by a passion for creativity and community engagement. Today, we're known for our spectacular giant puppets and exuberant dance performances.
2026 The Grand Finale
One Last Season. One Last Parade. One Legendary Night.
For more than a decade, the Monster Troupe has filled the streets with
towering puppets, glowing creatures, haunting music, and unforgettable
spectacle. This Halloween marks our
final season, and we intend to go
out with a BANG! Join us as we summon some of your favorite monsters for
one last magical march through Portsmouth. When the lights go down and the
creatures awaken, we hope you’ll be there to cheer us on and help write
the final chapter of the Monster Troupe’s story.
The haunt goes on… one last time.
Photo Credit: Guy Davis 2018
Photo Credit: Bob Dale 2024
2025 Photo Credit: Seacoastonline-Deb Cram
Our History: Community and Creativity
We started with a simple mission: to add a dash of artistic flair and communal spirit to the Portsmouth Halloween Parade. Our humble beginnings involved just a few handmade puppets and a group of dedicated volunteers. Since then, we've evolved into a troupe that each year captivates the parade with our innovative designs and performances.
The Portsmouth Halloween Parade, an annual event cherished by the community and listed as one of the 10 best Halloween parades in the US by USAToday.com, serves as the stage for our elaborate performances. The parade, known for its open and inclusive nature, allows us to showcase our creations to an audience that eagerly anticipates our new themes and designs each year.
Our giant puppets are the centerpiece of our performances, each an expression of creativity and craftsmanship. These towering figures, often inspired by folklore, fantasy, and the supernatural, are crafted by Troupe members under the direction of the Monster Mistress. Months of planning, designing, and building go into each puppet, ensuring that they not only captivate the audience but also tell a story that resonates with the spirit of Halloween.
Photo credit Mary Johanna Brown 2021
Photo Credit: Kendal Bush Photography 2018 New Hampshire Magazine
Photo credit Mary Johanna Brown 2021
Photo credit Mary Johanna Brown 2022
Photo credit Steve Clark 2021
Photo credit: Mary Johanna Brown 2025
Dancers: Bringing Our Creations to Life
Our dancers, dressed in thematic costumes, add vitality to our puppets. Their performances are not just dances but stories that enhance the puppets, creating an engaging spectacle that captures the essence of Halloween.
Photo credit Mary Johanna Brown 2023
Video Credit: Mary Johanna Brown 2025
Join us as we celebrate the spirit of Halloween and the joy of community artistry with the Monster Troupe. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor, you're invited to be a part of our unique journey. Come and experience the magic!
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