Beyond the beauty of our island, Madeira is also a place of tradition. Therefore, here are some of the main events you might want to check out if you are around.
Carnival is the the first big event of the year. All around the island there are small parades and themed parties and people wear carnival costumes. The main event during these festivities happens on Saturday, during the carnival weekend, and consists on a colouful and enthusiastic parade where a lot of samba groups liven up the streets dancing on their shinny costumes. On Tuesday afternoon, the “Entrudo”, you can watch the “Cortejo do Trapalhão”, a satire and comedy parade where anyone can join.
The Flower Festival is one of the most emblematic events of the year, happening during May. During the festival weeks, there are flower themed exibitions such as flower carpets on the streets. The peak of this event is the Flower Festival Float Parade, where participants of all ages dress on flower arrangement costumes and dance on the streets.
During the whole month of June, a pyrotechnics international competition takes place in Funchal’s bay. The Atlantic Festival opens the summer season and happens every Saturday in June, where each participating country exhibits their talent on the pyrotechnics art. Each country prepares a theme to present and the fireworks are accompanied by music.
The Madeira Rally Wine happens on the first week of August and has been attracting enthusiasts to the island’s roads since 1959. International renowned drivers come from all over the world to compete on one of the most charming and fascinating races of the Europeans rally circuits.
The Madeira Wine Festival usually starts by the end of August and pays tribute to this regional treasure while preserving the traditions and habits related to wine production. At the central promenade of Avenida Arriaga you can find decorated stalls alluding to the theme of wine-making where you can sample some typical products of the region. The street is filles with music and activities such as folklore groups and live re-enactments with people dressed in traditional costumes for the occasion.
The Christmas spirit fills the the city with joy on the 1st of December when the festive lights are switched on. Until January, the city keeps the festivities with continuous animation and gastronomical events such as the Christmas Market.
Finally, to end the year and enter the first minutes of January, a magical firework display on Funchal’s bay fills the city with colours and animation. This event is already recognized in the Guiness Book of Records and is appreciated by the locals and visitors.
