Theyyam or Theyattam is a popular colorful ritual dance and an ancient art form of Malabar in North Kerala. It is also known as 'Kaliyattom' which means a sacred dance performance for goddess Kali. Kannur can rightly be termed as the birth place of Theyyam. Theyyam festival at Kannur also known as Theyyams at Kanathoor, is a colorful event that attracts a number of people from all over the world. Season of Theyyam starts from the Malayalam month of Thulam (October-November) and continues till Edavam (May-June). During the festival season, varieties of Theyyam are performed at various temples. There are around 400 Theyyam characters, and some among them are the Rakthachamundi, Makkappothi, Puliyoru Kannan, Pottan, Kathivanur Veeran, Muchhilottu Bhagavathi, Palothu Daivam, Vishnumurthy, Puthiya Bhagavathi, Vayanattu Kulavan etc. Sree Muthappan Temple at Parassinikadavu (18kms from Kannur) is famous for the 'Muthappan Theyyam' performed every day.

Theyyam is performed by male members of particular castes like Malayan, Pulayan, Vannan, Anjoottan, Munnutton, Velan, Chungathan, Koppalan and Mayilon. It is a wonderful amalgamation of dance, mime and music which is accompanied with the musical instruments like Chenda, veekku chenda, elathalam and kurumkuzhal. Colourful costume and make-up are used in Theyyam dances. During the Theyyams performance, the singer portrays the thought provoking images through his dance steps and loud voice.