Magical Encounters 2024 starts today
28th International Magic Festival of Coimbra from September 17 to 22, 2024
The oldest magic festival in Portugal, Magical Encounters, begins today and brings free shows to the streets of Coimbra.
The 28th edition of Magical Encounters is back in Coimbra from September 17 to 22. The largest and oldest magic festival held in Portugal, exclusively dedicated to the general public, takes place as usual in the third week of September, featuring 14 companies from 7 countries. The Magical Encounters are produced by Luis de Matos Produções and co-organized by the Municipality of Coimbra.
The International Magic Festival of Coimbra continues to divide into five action lines: Street Magic (in the centre of Coimbra), Magic in the Region (shows in the surrounding parishes), the School of Magic, Solidarity Magic, and the International Magic Galas, which take place at the Grand Auditorium of the São Francisco Convent on September 20 and 21.
The invited artists for the 28th Edition of Magical Encounters are Charlie Mag (Spain), Cillian O’Connor (Ireland), David Navares (Spain), Gonza Martini (Argentina), Gonzalo Albiñana (Spain), Keiichi Iwasaki (Japan), Luis de Matos (Portugal), Mago Teto (Spain), Mago Vituco (Spain), Nando Caneca (Spain), Paulino Gil (Spain), Rafael Titonelly (Brazil), Tá na Manga (Portugal), and Tim Oelbrandt (Belgium).
The Street Magic will take place in spaces like Praça 8 de Maio, Rua Ferreira Borges, Praça do Comércio, Rua Visconde da Luz, Parque Manuel Braga, Rua da Sofia, Mercado Municipal D. Pedro V, Largo da Portagem, and Parque Vale das Flores.
The festival will not only take place in the centre of Coimbra but also in four parishes of Coimbra (São João do Campo, Cernache, Ribeira de Frades, and Eiras and São Paulo de Frades), in the spirit of decentralization initiated in 2015.
The solidarity component is one of the most enduring marks of the Magical Encounters. Solidarity Magic will feature shows that will be shown at the pediatric hospital and the prison facility.
Following the success of the initiative “Magic Class,” started in 2015 and taught by Paulino Gil, this will also be repeated, allowing dozens of children between the ages of 6 and 12 to take an introductory course to the Magical Art, which will occur at the São Francisco Convent. This year we will have three profiles: level I, II, and special needs.
This edition also includes an Origami Workshop, led by Mago Vituco and aimed at all audiences. It will also take place at the São Francisco Convent and offers a unique opportunity to learn how to create simple figures, providing an educational and artistic experience that invites participants to dive into the fascinating world of Origami. It is available between September 17 and 21, always at 6:30 PM, except on September 21, which will have a session at 10:00 AM.
Still at the São Francisco Convent, it will be possible to visit the exhibition “PAPER DREAMS,” which presents 22 original origami pieces by master Adriano Mariani, created from a single sheet of paper without the use of scissors or glue.
Both the School of Magic and the Origami Workshop, although free, require reservations/sign-ups through 239 857 191 or the email bilheteira@coimbraconvento.pt. For the Galas, tickets are on sale at BOL and at the Convent’s box office.
All programming for Magical Encounters 2024 is available on the website.
It was in 1992 that the Municipality of Coimbra organized the 1st International Magic Festival of Coimbra. After a five-year hiatus, in 1998, the festival was reborn and integrated into a broader and larger event, which we now know as Magical Encounters, changing from consisting of a single International Gala of Magic to extending over six days of intense programming.
Always confirm with the concert hall or promoter the conditions of access, confirmation of the date or time, ticket place of sale, price, and availability.
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