While the count down to the Dubai Shopping Festival begins, Mercato, a patron sponsor of the festival, has saved no effort in preparing an outstanding promotion! With the Italian theme “Teatro di Mercato” which means Theatre at Mercato, the mall has been transformed into a theatrical destination, set to host daily entertaining shows.
The opening day will see an irresistible programme of events consisting of stage shows and roaming performers in the mall. From Opera and Ballet to Broadway and Comedy, visitors can look forward to an unforgettable shopping experience at Mercato!
A line up of festivities will be held between 5:00 pm and 10:00 pm, opening with the Royal footmen who will welcome you to the mall, Opera singers who will serenade shoppers, Jester stilt walkers and human Marionettes on strings who will charm you during your visit at Mercato.
Stage shows will begin with a Musical Broadway show at 5:30pm – featuring a series of Broadway-like performances choreographed to famous Italian songs including the likes of Andrea Boccelli and Pavarotti, which tells a story through dance. You can catch this talented group of performers who are set to dance throughout the evening.
An Italian Ballet Company accompanied by a 12 piece Classical Orchestra will take to the stage three unique performances, created exclusively for Mercato. Starting from 6:30 pm, six classical trained dancers alongside a string Orchestra will take the audience by storm, as they perform Masquerade Ball in the Palace, Market Place and Drama in the Palace. Each show will artistically tell a story through song, body movement and costume.
Not to be missed is the Commedia dell'Arte act, better known as the Comedy of Italy. From 6:00 pm onwards, visitors can anticipate a dose of humor with traditional folk tales that will be re-scripted and acted out by the well known Italian Commedia stock characters wearing unique costumes and masks. This comedic act will be full of slapstick humor and promises a whirlwind of laughs for the adults and children alike.
The Italian Puppet Company, sponsored by Fun City, offers a full day of amusing family activities to keep the litte ones entertained! Visit the Porto Vecchio Village on the first floor, from 5:30 onwards to enjoy the lovable Punch & Judy Puppet Show and laugh along with the very comedic Traveling Puppeteer in the Human Puppet Show. What’s more, for a Dhs 5 entry fee, children and adults can get creative and indulge in making and personalizing their own puppets and Venetian masks. This fun- filled activity runs daily throughout the festival.
The Italian Puppet Company will host other children’s activities including Jester face painting and the chance to watch their favorite fairytales on DVD. Children of all ages are welcome. Admission is free of charge.
Sales & Prizes:
During the festival, Mercato & its sister mall Town Centre Jumeirah will jointly run a fabulous Spend-2-Win promotion. For every spend of Dhs 200 in any outlet of either mall, in accumulated or single purchase receipts, customers will be entered into a draw to win a the luxurious Grand Prize – a brand new Jaguar XF! The grand prize draw will take place on 1st March, 2010.
What’s more, Mercato and Town Centre Jumeirah shoppers who spend Dhs 500 on the first day of the festival have the chance to win a total of AED 500,000 in instant cash prizes!
We have a further surprise for Mercato shoppers, with no purchase necessary. The spotlight is on our Ultimate Wish List promotion, to welcome all visitors. Visit the Customer Service Desk to collect your “Ultimate Wish List “coupon. Browse the stores of the Porto Vecchio Village – first floor of Mercato - and start noting down the prize items that you wish to win during the festival. Prizes include jewellery, holiday trips, furniture, home accessories and so much more! 2 lucky winners each week will walk away with their prizes of choice! Prizes will be drawn on 4th, 11th, 18th February and 1st of March.
