Pippi Longstocking Inspires Play, Stories, and Imagination at MAR Shopping Algarve

This summer, MAR Shopping Matosinhos and MAR Shopping Algarve invite families, children, and visitors of all ages to rediscover the joy of playing, imagining without rules, and creating. Inspired by the irreverent and free universe of Pippi Longstocking, the global Play campaign by Ingka Centres, dedicated to "Playing", arrives in Portugal from May 29th to June 14th in the Algarve and from May 30th to July 12th in Matosinhos, with dozens of free experiences, creative workshops, storytelling hours, games, activations, and moments designed to spark imagination. More than just a children's program, this event serves as an invitation to recover the spirit of spontaneous play, creativity, and connection between generations, transforming the Meeting Places of Matosinhos and Loulé into spaces where imagination comes to life. Among living libraries, book exchanges, hobby horse races, fun games, and creative workshops, the campaign will occupy different areas of the Meeting Places, involving families, schools, partner brands, and all surrounding communities. At MAR Shopping Algarve, Pippi’s Library will be created and the “Pippi’s Pony Party” will be activated, a space for hobby horse races that promises to bring many laughs. “With the PLAY campaign, MAR Shopping Algarve reinforces its commitment to creating experiences that go far beyond shopping, promoting gatherings, creativity, culture, and moments of true sharing among families and friends. Over the course of about two weeks, we want to invite everyone who visits us to rediscover the pleasure of playing, imagining, and living our Meeting Place in a freer, more fun, and spontaneous way,” says Paulo Lopes, Customer Experience Leader, MAR Shopping Algarve, Ingka Centres. At MAR Shopping Algarve, the PLAY universe takes shape through “Pippi’s Library,” a space inspired by the free and adventurous imagination of the character, designed to stimulate reading, creativity, and imagination. Throughout the campaign, the space will host daily storytelling hours, special sessions, and moments of free reading, as well as a continuous book exchange dynamic. Similar to Matosinhos, all collected books will later be donated to social institutions supporting children, with the support of the association Banco de Bens Doados. But the big moment of fun promises to happen with the “Pippi’s Pony Party,” a hobby horse racing space inspired by Pippi's irreverent games. Children and families will be encouraged to navigate a fun course with obstacles and challenges, in an environment designed to encourage humor, spontaneity, and the spirit of play. The initiative also challenges participants to share the most fun moments of the experience on social media, rewarding the most creative videos with the gift of a Hobby Horse. The space will also feature paintings, games, themed photopoints, and other inspired initiatives.