The immersive show "Magical Garden" will bring the magic of the Thousand and One Nights to the New Garden of the National Palace of Queluz

Aladdin, Princess Jasmine and the Genie of the Lamp will be the main protagonists of "Magical Garden Aladdin Sintra", the immersive and interactive show that will bring light, magic and many adventures to the New Garden of the National Palace of Queluz, from 28 June, at 9:30 pm.

Developed by the OCUBO studio in partnership with Parques de Sintra, with the support of Sintra City Council, the initiative marks the return of "Magical Garden" for a third edition, after receiving more than 320,000 visitors between Porto and Lisbon in previous editions.

In "Magical Garden Aladdin Sintra", the exuberant fireworks and traditional lanterns that characterise the Garden's history now give way to state-of-the-art multimedia effects and installations that create a sonic and visual atmosphere that promises, just like two centuries ago, to dazzle visitors, recreating the festive and recreational atmosphere that characterises this natural space.

The theme of the show also has links to the Garden's historical and cultural legacy, insofar as the Thousand and One Nights, which include the tale of Aladdin, have become a frequent reading since the translation from Arabic to French in the early 18th century. Through a careful combination of luminous sculptures, video mapping, augmented reality and interactive installations, it will be possible for visitors to rediscover and experience this space in a whole new way and to immerse themselves and all their senses in Aladdin's imagination.

The story is told through holograms that bring the main characters to life, in a night-time journey of around 1 km that puts the audience at the centre of all the action, making them an integral part of the story. The show features the performances of Igor Lima, as Aladdin, Jasmin Andreia Brasil as Jasmine, and Quimbé in the role of Genie of the Lamp. During "Magical Garden Aladdin Sintra", it will also be possible to walk through a tunnel of light that provides the illusion of travelling on Aladdin's flying carpet. Visitors will also be able to ask the Genie of the Lamp for wishes through an augmented reality installation and to watch an impressive water fan spanning over 10 metres wide.

According to Sofia Cruz, Chair of the Board of Directors of Parques de Sintra, "The National Palace of Queluz is an exceptional stage for this event. Built during the 18th century, together with its gardens, it was always dedicated to leisure and all kinds of entertainment for the court and high society of the time. A maze, a canal where gondolas circulated, fountains and lakes with water features, an opera house and even a small bullring are just a few examples of elements that made up a dreamy and festive setting, where 'exotic' imagery, which at that time was often confused with 'oriental', also prevailed. This fascination with the Orient was certainly also fuelled by the dissemination throughout the 18th century of the French version of 'The Thousand and One Nights' in European courts, which revealed the character of Aladdin to the Old Continent."

"Parques de Sintra, the monument's managing body, associates itself with this event as part of its strategy to revitalise its heritage and provide new experiences for visitors. With contemporary means and effects, the event recovers the festive atmosphere that has always characterised the use of these gardens and, at the same time, revives the taste for exoticism that is so present in Queluz."

According to Nuno Maya, Creative Director of the OCUBO studio, "Visiting Magical Garden Aladdin Sintra is to enter a completely new world, where environments that existed only in our imagination suddenly become real. It is an environment where children and adults not only have the opportunity to explore a space of undeniable historical importance, in a different and much closer way, but also, for one night only, to be companions on Aladdin's adventure, to walk by his side and to see the world through his eyes, broadening their horizons and creating unforgettable memories."

"Magical Garden Aladdin Sintra" will be open from Wednesday to Sunday, between 28 June and 10 September, from 9:30 pm. Tickets cost between €8 and €14, with free entry for children up to 3 years old, and can be purchased through the PORTUGALAGENDA.COM platform.

© OCUBO