Mercato Brings A Little Bit Of Europe To Dubai During DSF 2013
Visitors to Jumeirah’s lively Mercato mall are being transported to Europe and beyond during DSF this year with entertainment inspired by Italian, French, Spanish, Greek and other European acts. Through the mime, flamenco, a variety of dances, Turkish folklore and much more that is on the cards, the spirit of the 18th edition of the DSF - of presenting ’Dubai at its Best’ - is finding its true expression at the mall among an audience of both residents and tourists of all nationalities and ages.
The mall began its DSF offerings on January 3 with a series of performances by the Gondolier Acrobatic Duo on its main stage. And the fun has carried on with three free 30-minute live shows daily, such as Metro Travelers, Dance in Vogue and Construction Workers, Can Can Dance, Mime Act, Mirror People, Interactive Show, Living Frames, Flamenco Show, Alle Group, Chess Dance Show, Colour Bike, Fashion on Stilts and Turkish Folklore.
Of the shows that have already taken place so far is the must-see Dance in Vogue and Construction Workers. Performed by an international group from Slovakia, the choreography, grace, athleticism and colourful costumes displayed by the 10 members of the troupe, along with the lively modern music, mesmerized all who watched the 30-minute presentation.
One of those mesmerized shoppers was Diane Masseboeuf, a French national based in Dubai. “It is a wonderful treat for shoppers to get to watch free shows during DSF,” she said. “Ever since I first started attending the DSF, I have observed that Mercato has always had a number of amazing activities lined up.”
Her daughter Vivian added: “A lovely way to enjoy Dubai’s shopping malls every DSF is to see the great shows by international performers. It is good to stop for a while from walking and roaming around in Mercato to simply watch these great shows.”
Ravi and Priyanka Jain, a Dubai-based Indian couple, were also having fun at the dance show in Mercato. Ravi said: “We live here in Jumeirah and we come to Mercato often. Every DSF, this mall comes alive. The daily shows we witness help spread cheer among the shoppers, which I think is truly brilliant.”
Aside from creating a fun environment, the international shows at Mercato also create special memories worth capturing. Siblings Suher, Helwani and Neshwa Sulaf, visiting from Syria, did not have to think twice before taking pictures and videos of the shows. Suher explained: “This is a special moment for us. We do not find shows like these every time. We are very lucky to be here in Dubai during this DSF. There are so many big discounts and we also get to see such great shows. It’s a great bonus.”
The shows at Mercato provide plenty of entertainment for kids, too. Leen Delsi, who was with visiting cousins Amira and Laith from Jordan, was dancing along as the shows went on. “We love dancing. So we like seeing this show. It is exciting to watch something like this here at Mercato,” they said.
The shows and entertainment aside, shopping promotions are always a big draw at Mercato during DSF. Thousands of people have also flocked to the mall to find some of the best bargains available, with in-store discounts ranging from 25% - 75%. Shoppers were eager to fill in their raffle coupons for the Grand Raffle Prize Draw taking place at the end of DSF 2013. Mercato has two brand new, Toyota RAV4 SUVs to giveaway on February 4th. For every AED 200 spent at Mercato or Town Centre Jumeirah during the festival, shoppers will receive one raffle coupon for the draw. And with the mall open from 10am to 12pm everyday throughout DSF 2013, there’s just enough time to take in the entertainment and the shopping in a day’s work.
Emirate: Dubai
Date: Jan 8, 2013
Back