Next Saturday, August 8, the 27th edition of the Night of Illusion in Santa Cristina d'Aro will be held, which this year will be opening at 10:00 p.m. at the Espai Ridaura.
This event will bring together some of the most prominent figures in international illusionism, including Xevi el Mago, Isaac Jurado, Vadim Gordeev, Ramó & Alegría, Jordi Quimera, Marc Metral, Mervil and Norbert Ferré.
Tickets cost 27 euros and can be purchased through the CodeTickets platform or at the Santa Cristina d'Aro Tourist Office.
As usual, the festival's organizer and director is Xavier Sala i Costa, better known as Xevi el Mag (Santa Cristina d'Aro, 1943), a Catalan illusionist, collector and popularizer of the art of magic. Throughout his career, he has starred in numerous television performances, participated in advertising spots and acted in several films.
He is also the author of several books, including My Magical World (1988), A Little History of Illusionism , with illustrations by Pilarín Bayés (1992), A Magical Life: Xevi, from the Costa Brava to the World (2017) and Let's Not Lose the Illusion. Some Games and Curiosities from My Repertoire Available to Everyone (2024).
Interview with Xevi the Magician
Alexandra: What is the main difference between this 27th edition and the previous ones?
Xevi: The main novelty is that this year there are eight artists participating on stage, more than in previous editions. In addition, the start time has been delayed to 10:00 p.m. , while previously the show started at 9:30 p.m.
As for the ticket price, it remains at 27 euros , and the artists continue to be some of the most internationally awarded.
What criteria do you follow to choose the magicians who participate in the festival?
Above all, that they are available on the date that we can have the Espai Ridaura in Santa Cristina d'Aro. The great advantage is that we know them personally and have direct contact with them, even though they are highly sought-after artists all over the world.
Is there any special number that you would highlight from this 27th Night of Illusion?
From my point of view, there is more than one. For example, that of Norbert Ferré , winner of the FISM Grand Prize and the Mandrake d'Or, among many other awards. I would also highlight Ramó & Alegría , who also have important FISM awards.
The Russian Vadim Gordeev is a very prominent figure, especially known on the internet for his ideas and inventions.
It is also worth mentioning the Frenchman Mervil, winner of the first prize at the French Magic Congress, as well as numerous international awards.
Marc Metral is a prestigious ventriloquist who has performed at the Moulin Rouge and the Lido in Paris, and continues to amaze the public and the judges of Got Talent . He is currently one of the most recognized artists in the world in his specialty.
Finally, Isaac Jurado and Jordi Quimera are national artists with great international prestige.
How do you think the Night of Illusion has evolved since it has been held every year?
It has undoubtedly evolved very positively. There is a loyal audience that tries not to miss the gala every year and that travels from different parts of Spain and the south of France to see some of the most awarded magicians of the moment live.
What type of magic do you think connects most with the current audience that visits the festival?
It depends on each person's tastes. Some people prefer one type of number and others value different ones.
Personally, I always try to prepare an eclectic, varied and innovative show. The most important thing is that the audience likes the whole thing and that they have an indelible memory of it.
What message would you convey to the public to encourage them to come?
There are people who may not be aware of the importance of this festival, which is unique during the summer on the Costa Brava.
It's a shame, because they miss the opportunity to see a once-in-a-lifetime show, with artists who may never perform together again and who offer numbers that are difficult to see on other stages.
Furthermore, the theater is filled every year and there are spectators who come specifically from far away to enjoy this great night of magic.