Figueres magic festival fills venues in fourth edition

The International Magic Festival of Figueres has closed its fourth edition with full venues and bigger crowds at its street shows. Organisers say the quality of the acts went up this year.

The festival ran from 25 to 27 September and spread magic across the capital of the Alt Empordà. The programme included large-format shows, close-up magic, street performances, workshops and family activities. Artists came from France, Belgium, Cuba, Extremadura and Catalonia.

Illusionist Raül Black, who founded and directs the festival, gave an upbeat first assessment. "Everything went very well," he said. He explained that every event filled up: the Sopar Magic (Magic Dinner), the International Gala, the street shows, the close-up gala at Caputxins and the children's gala. According to Black, the street shows drew more people than in previous years.

"We have received a lot of congratulations," he said. "Our sense from the public is that people really enjoyed the shows."

The International Gala

The International Gala is one of the most anticipated events of the weekend. It brings together a line-up of top-level performers, and Black believes this year's edition lived up to expectations. In his words, the quality "has not only been maintained, but has increased."

This year's gala was dedicated to the Spanish illusionist Juan Tamariz (1942-2026). The Belgian clown Elastic hosted the evening, introducing each act with humour, audience interaction and plenty of magic of his own.

Cuban illusionist Ernesto Planas, known for his work with umbrellas, opened with a spectacular routine. French magician Florian Sainvet followed with a metallic, futuristic act built on skilled sleight of hand.

Françoise Rochais, regarded as one of the best jugglers in the world, then took the stage. Her routines seemed to defy gravity. Mag Marin came next and showed his skill at making objects appear and vanish.

Victor Cerro delivered one of the highlights of the night with an escape act. He freed himself despite being bound with a large number of chains and padlocks.

The closing act was French performer Lea Kyle, world champion in general magic. She finished the night with a series of lightning-fast costume changes.

Reaching beyond the stage

The festival is not only drawing larger audiences. It is also widening its reach, according to Black. Outside the main weekend programme, performers visited three residential homes for older people. They also took shows to other local organisations, including Mifas and Ksameu.

Organisers also put together an exhibition of posters featuring women magicians throughout history. Black said the aim was to give them visibility and to support equality in the profession.

"With these initiatives we want magic to reach more people in Figueres and the surrounding area," he said.

Council support continues

Black also looked ahead with optimism. He said the Ajuntament de Figueres, the town council, has backed the festival strongly and has already confirmed it will keep working with the organisers. "That makes us very happy," he said.

No dates for a fifth edition were given in the festival's first assessment.

Why It Matters

For readers in Empuriabrava and Castelló d'Empúries, the festival is a short drive away and one of the more family-friendly events on the Alt Empordà calendar. Full venues across all the main events, plus larger street crowds, suggest it has moved beyond a niche event after just four editions.

The festival also fits a wider pattern in Figueres. The town has been putting more effort into autumn cultural activities, from the escape room in the castle cisterns to the Empordà Wine Fair. Taken together, this points to a town trying to give residents and visitors more reasons to come in after the summer season ends.

The outreach work also stands out. Visits to residential homes and local organisations bring the festival to people who may not be able to attend a gala or a street show. The poster exhibition on women magicians adds a clear message about equality in a field long dominated by men.

It is worth watching whether the council's promise of continued support turns into a larger budget or a longer programme next year. If audiences keep growing, the organisers may also need bigger venues or more sessions to meet demand. For now, the fourth edition gives the festival a solid base to build on.