Toledo (EFE) like the new show “El Misterio de Sorbaces”, inspired by the Visigothic king Recaredo.
In statements to Agencia EFE, the CEO of Puy du Fou Spain, Erwan de la Villéon, has been “very excited” with the number of visits that the park expects to receive, specifically 1,100,000 visitors, in a season that has predicted “impressive” and that it will last about 165 days.
De la Villéon has described three of the novelties that Puy du Fou presents this year, which includes the show “El Misterio de Sorbaces”, which puts seventy actors, 3,000 seats and a 100-meter-wide stage at the service of a story ” very pretty” and “exciting”, which is the one with the lost crown of Recaredo.
“The Mystery of Sorbaces”: in search of the lost crown
This show is based on the search for the crown of gold and precious stones that Recaredo, the first Visigothic king to convert to Christianity and was baptized in the year 587, who supposedly disappeared after his death.
In fact, the Visigothic treasure was found at the end of the 19th century in Guarrazar (Toledo), a few kilometers from the place where the park is located, and is currently in the National Archaeological Museum of Madrid.
On the other hand, visitors will be able to have lunch with a veteran who claims to be a captain of the Tercios de Flandes who comes to ask a woman for her hand in the show “El Bodegón del Capitán”, which has the particularity of taking place in a restaurant: “It is an impressive spectacle,” said the person in charge.
“De tal palo” allows you to meet six characters of the same lineage
The third vertex is closed by “De tal palo”, an immersive performance in the open air with a journey through six amphitheaters in a garden “well worked, full of flowers, freshness” and that covers the lives of six characters who share a same lineage, that of Julián Gutiérrez from Toledo.
In the mouths of these characters, the public will learn about historical events such as the battles of Las Navas de Tolosa, Covadonga or the siege of Numancia, De la Villéon has pointed out.
In addition to the new and “exciting” shows, visitors will find other surprises in every corner of the park, such as new walking areas, new dining areas and play areas for children.
Great acceptance by the public
The person in charge of the park has highlighted the “very good acceptance” that the park has received since its inauguration in August 2019, since year after year it has added more and more visitors.
View of one of the shows at Puy du Fou Spain that opens its doors this Saturday. EFE/ Ismael Herrero
In fact, it started with 72,000 in its first season four years ago, while in 2023 it has already registered 400,000 reservations before opening.
“That means that people see it again. There are many fans, people who want to come back year after year. This is very good news”, added the French director.
More than 300 million invested and 800 workers from 80 trades
The theme park has invested just over 17 million euros this year -five million more than the previous season-, earmarked for new artistic, landscaping and restoration projects, as well as hiring staff.
Since its opening, it has invested more than 300 million euros.
In this way, the staff already integrates 800 workers with trades among more than 80 unions: actors, horsemen, dancers, acrobats, ushers, cooks, tailors, craftsmen, sound and lighting technicians, decorators, architects or engineers, among others.
“We recruit, sign and train the actors,” he said.
A positive impact in Toledo
De la Villéon has assured that “more than 60 percent” of the public that goes to the park -which is “quality tourism”, he has qualified-, “gives” it to the regional capital, since tourists take advantage of the trip to Puy du Fou to visit Toledo over the weekend.
“What hotels and restaurants tell us is simple: when we are open they have an increase between 20 and 50% of their billing,” he congratulated himself.
Asked about the plans for the future of the park in Toledo, the director stated: “We are going to continue investing a lot, creating new shows, creating expectations and always exceeding them. That is our goal.”