Comic puppet character of Slovakia. Gašparko is probably derived from the Czech Kašpárek and inspired by the Austrian Kasperl. He is a jolly little man, generally a servant trying to avoid his chores, or only faking an interest in them, and he has an eye for the ladies.

Anton Anderle, like the Stražan family, referred to 19th and 20th century texts for his portrayal. Anderle’s Gašparko was a witty, bearded man, clothed traditionally in a cap and bells and a red clown outfit. Gašparko is married to Żabinka, with whom he dances at the end of each performance. He was the only string puppet among the overhead rod marionettes in Anderle’s theatre.

(See Slovakia.)