Category: Travel & Lifestyle

#redcarpet #charityevent

The Global Gift Gala has achieved so much good since it was founded by Maria Bravo a few years back. Originally from Marbella, the actress & Philanthropist has created a charity event, that has by now raised many Millions in support of children and mothers in need through the Global Gift Foundation!

With the help of her best friend Eva Longoria and countless other famous faces, actors, philanthropists, singers, bands and personalities from sport, fashion and the performing arts, they have provided support for thousands of children and mothers-in-need by hosting one of the biggest society events in the world of charities. They regularly throw high-profile bashes every year and visit capitals and other places of interest like Madrid, Paris, London, Marbella and Dubai. They even have created their own centre in the Spanish city of Marbella on the Costa del Sol, where they don’t just host the gala, but golf events and fashion shows too. (globalgiftgala.com)

Inside Marbella’s Most Glamorous Night: The Global Gift Gala Experience

The annual Global Gift Gala Marbella is a dazzling event that combines glamour, philanthropy, and star power to make a real difference.

When we’re not husky-sledding through Iceland or going hot air ballooning in Marrakesh on our Travel Channel, we love nothing more than donning our glad rags and getting out to an awesome event.

Hosted at the luxurious Hotel Don Pepe Gran Meliá, the Global Gift Gala is a red carpet event that has become one of the highlights of Marbella’s social calendar. And guess what? Claudia Peifer was on the carpet getting the exclusive star interviews for TA-DAH.TV.

Let’s take a closer look at the magic behind the gala and what makes it a must-attend event.

A Brief History of the Global Gift Gala

The Global Gift Gala was founded by Maria Bravo alongside actress, businesswoman, and philanthropist Eva Longoria, with the goal of raising funds and awareness for various charitable projects around the world.

It may seem like a glitzy evening for the great and the good of Tinseltown to get dressed up and party the night away. But the event is as much about raising money for those good causes.

Over the years, the gala has grown from a small, intimate gathering to a series of high-profile events held in glamorous locations across the globe.

What’s The Mission?

Of course, everyone at the Global Gift Gala looks resplendent but, at its core, the evening is about giving back.

The gala helps multiple charitable organisations supported by the Global Gift Foundation, focusing on empowering women and children and providing essential resources for communities in need.

The event not only raises significant funds but also brings together celebrities, influencers, and philanthropists to champion these causes.

A Night of Entertainment and Philanthropy

Beyond the red carpet, the gala offers a night of world-class entertainment. Guests are treated to performances by internationally renowned artists, inspiring speeches, and heartfelt moments that highlight the importance of the causes being supported. The combination of entertainment and philanthropy makes for an unforgettable evening.

Networking Opportunities

The gala is also a fantastic networking opportunity. Attendees have the chance to mingle with celebrities, business leaders, and fellow philanthropists, making connections that can lead to further charitable endeavors or exciting business ventures.

Growing the Gala: Upcoming Events

Not content with just one stellar show in Spain, Longoria and Bravo have developed the Playa Padre event into a must-attend evening on the calendar. Now they’re aim is to grow further by adding even more dates across the continent.

Upcoming Evenings in Spain, France, England, and Switzerland

In addition to Marbella, the Global Gift Gala is expanding its reach with events across Europe:

• Geneva/Switzerland, 19 April: The Geneva event promises to be every bit as elegant as the other affairs, with plenty of high-end Swiss style and opulence thrown in for good measure.
• Cannes/France,  19 May: The Cannes event coincides with the Cannes Film Festival,  when La Môme Plage gets the special Global Gift Gala treatment and turns on the heat on the Côte d’Azur.
• Marbella/Spain, 20 July: The Marbella Gala is the one closest to Maria Bravo’s heart – not only because it’s her home town, but the organisation has created the Casa Angeles – Casa Global Gift there, a day care centre to improve the quality of life of children with special needs and their families.
• Monte-Carlo/ Monaco, 4 October: what a fabulous evening the Monaco Gala is going to be at the Hôtel de Paris! The glitz, the glamour and the classic elegance of the place will offer up a magical night in aid of charity, headed by Eva Longoria & Maria Bravo.
• London/England, 1 November: London’s Gala is a five-star affair at the Kimpton Fitzroy, combining the city’s historical charm with the modern allure of its vibrant social scene.
• Paris/France, 8 November: The Paris Gala promises to bring a touch of classic elegance and sophistication, with the iconic city providing a stunning backdrop for the event.
• Abu Dhabi/UAE, November: The Abu Dhabi event is a mega glitzy affair,  drawing special guests from all over the UAE! Don’t miss it as it is a huge society highlight there during November
• Tokyo/Japan, December: The gala’s Tokyo event is the last fundraiser for 2025 and will just be the best pre-Christmas affair you could hope for! Expect Japan’s finest to turn up for this glittering finale.

Making a Difference: The Impact of the Global Gift Gala

Whether it’s in sun-soaked Marbella or grand ol’ London town, each Global Gift Gala event supports a range of charitable initiatives.

The funds raised go towards projects that provide education, healthcare, and opportunities for disadvantaged communities. The gala’s impact is felt worldwide, with countless lives being transformed by the generosity of its attendees.

Stories of Change

The true success of the Global Gift Gala can be seen in the stories of those it has helped. From children receiving life-saving medical treatment to women finding empowerment through education and training programs, the gala’s efforts are making a tangible difference.

Behind the Scenes of the Global Gift Gala

Pulling off an event as grand as the Global Gift Gala requires meticulous planning and a dedicated team. From selecting the venue to coordinating with performers and managing the guest list, every detail is carefully orchestrated to ensure a seamless and memorable experience.

That hardwork and string-pulling has not been lost on iconic swimwear designer Melissa Odabash who Claudia caught up with recently on the Marbella Global Gift Gala red carpet:

Get More A-List European Red Carpet Event News on Our Travel Channel

Fancy hearing about more glamorous goings on from across the continent? We can help you there.

Our Travel Channel is bursting with exclusive content from some of the biggest events, shows and locations in Europe. You’re gonna love it!

Being one of the first water ballet fountains around, the Font Mágica of Montjuïc in Barcelona still holds its magic after all these years! Built in 1929, it came into its own, when Freddy Mercury was asked to create the theme song for the Olympics, hosted by Barcelona in 1992. To get together with one of Spain’s most famous opera singers was an inspired idea. Montserrat Caballé brought her own magic to the song, and she and Freddy had a chemistry that no-one would have imagined to be so captivating.

Couple this with a fountain that uses light, colour and water to perform a water ballet, and you’ll be entertained without a doubt. 5 pumps push about 3 million litres of water through 3620 jets up to 54 metres high, which means around 2600 litres of water are processed in a single second! The way this water spectacle is designed is pure theatre: the oohs and ahhhs from the crowd are proof that young and old are still amazed by the Magic Fountain, day in, day out. Opening times vary throughout the year, but the fountain is open from April til the end of October with different performance times, so we do advise to check the calendar online to avoid disappointment. It is a fabulous experience, a spectacle you will never forget – just make sure you do not stand too close to the fountain, nor in the direction of the wind, as you’ll get soaked by the spray – leaving with a wet shirt happens to people all the time, you’d be surprised!

With both singers having crossed the rainbow, now singing with the angels, there is an even bigger poignance to enjoy Barcelona’s Font Mágica on the Plaça de Carlos Buïgas at least once in a lifetime.

Sagrada Familia

The Sagrada Familia is an architectural gem, spiking the Barcelona skyline with its 4 towers like no other. It was Antoni Gaudí’s pride and joy – a lifetime achievement, which he couldn’t finish in his own lifetime, and which is still in construction to this day, according to Gaudí’s imagination and style. Having had it’s foundation stone laid in 1882, this iconic building is still a decade or so away from completion. However, seeing is believing, and even in its incomplete state, the cathedral offers breathtaking sights, explaining history with the help of light and colour in countless artistic details and facades. Visitors from all over the world come to see this miracle of a building, with its impressive interior and stained glass windows ‘Gaudí-style’, its Cloisters of Dolours and Sacristy, the Crypt of the Expiatory Temple, the world-famous 4 towers, as well as its Nativity Facade and the Passion Facade. The museum explains the Sagrada Familia’s story very well indeed, even giving insight into what Gaudí’s studio looked like.
The website advises that the best time to visit is in the morning, and we disagree, as it happens. The queues are usually well managed and it helps to pay by credit card, as you’ll then get through even quicker. We believe, the best time to visit is when you can catch the afternoon/evening light, as the whole cathedral is then bathed in warm sunlight and the huge stained glass windows then come into their own, it really is a sight to behold when the cathedral’s interior and apse is drenched in primary colours – it’s glorious! Plan a visit to what is almost a wonder of the world, since the unique story of the Sagrada Familia has defied death, time, funding problems, technical issues and last but not least, a prognosis that more often than not looked as if it will never be finished. sagradafamilia.tickets-barcelona.org > live link

El Nacional

One of Barcelona’s most famous food halls, El Nacional offers a huge variety of gastronomic experiences of traditional & authentic cuisine from the Iberian Peninsula under one roof. Situated off the best shopping street in the city, the Passeig de Gràcia, El Nacional is indeed a national institution for Catalonia. With a list of restaurants, eateries and a tapas bar, an oyster bar, a wine & champagne bar and a pub serving a huge range of beers, you won’t ever run out of options to sample a wide range of local delights, without having to leave the building. Some are know to eat and drink their way around the circle of places to eat and drink, because they couldn’t decide which place to go to first. The atmosphere is great in there, with different vibes throughout the day. From coffee meetings to business lunches to afternoon cervezas and, of course, endless evenings of getting together with friends and family, this place is always busy, so make sure you either go for an early lunch or dinner, bearing in mind that in Spain, the siesta or lunchtime is from 14.00 – 17.00h, whilst dinner doesn’t happen for most before 21.00h. Que approveche, say we…

Fundació Juan Miró

Famous all over the world for his unique style, the Juan Miró Foundation is situated on the hill of Montjuïc, not far from the Font Mágica. You will see his artwork on display when arriving at Barcelona airport, just to get you into the mood of what Barcelona is about. The museum was opened in 1975, and shows over 10.000 paintings, sculptures, drawings, stage designs and….carpets. The roof terrace is a particularly special spot, showing his sculptures against the backdrop of Barcelona’s skyline. The views from up there are breathtaking and typical – nowhere else will you see a sight like this one, so very cool indeed. Miró wanted to create an international and interdisciplinary centre, making art available to everyone. His good friend Josep Lluís Sert, a Le Corbusier student, designed the building, reflecting his good friend’s tendency to harmonic forms and playing with light. This seems to be a real thing in Barcelona: to make natural light and colour interact in order to create a mood, an atmosphere or the feeling of a moment in time. The museum is definitely a must-see when visiting the capital of Catalonia, so make sure it’s down on your itinerary when planning your next city-break in this exciting and energetic place.