On Saturday, November 8th, Puiga community center celebrated 25 years of the local theater group's activity. The day included both performances and dance entertainment, as well as warm wishes.

In the anniversary program, Sangaste Theater Rukki Narrid presented the play 'Nuns' directed by Merilin Kirbits, the character dance group Gruuvikeerajad from Vastseliina community center, and Puiga theater group itself along with Vastseliina theater group Naeru-Lained, performing the play 'Weddings'. The latter was directed by Puiga theater group's instructor Külli Vijard, with musical design by Marit Sillaste.

Former theater group participants, friends, and everyone who wished to listen, watch, enjoy, and celebrate the anniversary attended the 25th-anniversary celebration. Anniversary greetings were given to the Puiga theater group by Kristi Vals, the cultural specialist of the Võrumaa Development Center, Maarika Rosenberg, the director of the Võru municipality's cultural and youth center, and other friends and partners of the Puiga theater group.

'The productions created on your stage have touched hearts, brought laughter and tears, provided food for thought, and the joy of discovery. Thank you for keeping theater alive boldly, dedicatedly, and lovingly. May there be as many shining roles, applause, and discoveries ahead!' said Kristi Vals, the cultural specialist of the Võrumaa Development Center, in her speech at the anniversary celebration.

On the occasion of Puiga theater group's 25th year of activity, acknowledgments from the Estonian Folk Culture Center were also presented, thanking the theater group for their dedication and contribution to maintaining and promoting amateur theater tradition. Acknowledgment was also given to Külli Vijard, who recently celebrated her 65th birthday, for promoting local theater activities and dedicated work as the Puiga theater group's instructor, and to Anneli Rannula for her long-term dedication as an actress in the Puiga theater group.

Maarika Rosenberg, the director of the Võru municipality's cultural and youth center, expressed gratitude with a certificate on the occasion of Puiga theatre group's 25 years of activity and thanked instructor Külli Vijard for her work and contribution to guiding the theater group.

The initial drive of the Puiga theater group, which has been active since the autumn of 2000, stemmed from the desire to play. At that time, sketches and variety acts such as 'Tossu Tilda's Tales' were performed, but later, a preference for popular stories, original creations, and humor in the Võru dialect emerged. In recent years, collaboration with Vastseliina theater group Naeru-Lained has brought new energy to the theater scene.

Over the years, over twenty people of different ages and experiences have joined the Puiga theater group, all with a common desire - to make theater with joy and heart. The Puiga theater group has performed in community centers, village parties, senior gatherings, and other regional events. They have also performed at festivals in Pärnu, Palamuse, Obinitsa, and Sangaste. Each performance has brought joy to both the audience and the performers, and this joy was felt and seen at the Puiga community center on Saturday.

During the celebration, awards and certificates of appreciation were displayed as an exhibition, along with colorful photos from the past 25 years. Of course, a delicious birthday cake was also part of the celebration.