Who is Little Amal?

Little Amal is the 12 foot puppet of a 10 year old Syrian refugee child at the heart of The Walk. She has become a global symbol of human rights, especially those of refugees.

Since July 2021, Amal has travelled to 160 towns and cities in 16 countries and been welcomed by two million people on the street and by tens of millions online. 440 events unique to each community that she visits have been created for her by thousands of artists and civil society and faith leaders. Her journeys are festivals of art and hope that draw attention to the huge numbers of children fleeing war, violence and persecution, each with their own story. Her urgent message to the world is “Don’t forget about us”.

Little Amal has become an international symbol of compassion and of human rights. She carries a message of hope for displaced people everywhere, especially children who have been separated from their families.

The puppet of Little Amal was designed and built by Handspring Puppet Company, who created the puppets for the international hit play War Horse, establishing them as one of the most important puppet companies in the world.

Everywhere Amal goes she is greeted with events that are authentic and meaningful to the local people she meets.

The Seahorse and the Wolf
Thursday 16 May, 7pm to 8pm

Welcome Little Amal to Belfast and come along to an outdoor theatre spectacle of music and dance co-created with hundreds of residents from across the city at Custom House Square.

The Half Bap
Friday 17 May, 4pm

A walking theatre tour in the Cathedral Quarter, Little Amal and local resident Barney explore this part of the city.

The Big Dream
Friday 17 May, 8pm to 10pm

An evening of original music and art, St. Anne’s cathedral is transformed into a celestial world to help Little Amal feel at home.

The May Queen
Saturday 18 May, 12.30pm to 1.00pm

The streets come alive with a moving forest of wildlife, flowers and nature brought to life by music, floats and costume as Amal leads a springtime procession to the grounds of City Hall.

Amal’s Big Lunch
Saturday 18 May, 2.30pm to 4pm

Amal is greeted by the Lord Mayor of Belfast at City Hall as he celebrates his term in office. She is hungry and is invited to enjoy some food and fun along with guests from across the city.

Amal in Narnia
Saturday 18 May, 7pm to 8.30pm

A magical outdoor show inspired by the Lion, the Witch and Wardrobe by CS Lewis.

Do Not Disturb
Sunday 19 May, 11am to 12noon

Join Little Amal in planting a new forest of oaks, to mark our memories and her visit. A ritual performance procession inspired by Ciaran Carson’s “Belfast Confetti’.

Little Amal at Beann Mhadagáin
Sunday 19 May, 7pm to 9pm

Join us to say goodbye to Amal with a magical evening of music, dance and street performance inspired by centuries old Celtic mythology.