Events (Calendar)

January

Cantar os Reis (Singing of the Kings) – Funchal
Cantar os Reis is a charming Madeiran festival filled with carols and songs, celebrated on the 12th night after Christmas. Traditionally, troupes roamed the streets at night, singing and playing music from door to door. Today, outdoor concerts are held all over the island including Ribeira Brava, Câmara de Lobos and the auditorium in the Jardim Municipal in Funchal. The lively traditional carols are performed by local musical groups.

‘Santo Amaro’ Festival – Santa Cruz
To commemorate the close of the Christmas season, ‘Santo Amaro’ is celebrated throughout Madeira. Christmas delicacies are laid out on every table as families share a final festive meal and take down Christmas decorations, traditional lapinhas and nativity scenes. Festivities in Santa Cruz include stalls, music and food, as well as a candle-lit procession to the Igreja Matriz to honour the patron saint.

February

Festa dos Compadres – Santana
For about 50 years, Festa dos Compadres has signified the start of the Carnival festivities in Madeira. Held in Santana, in the north-east of the island, the town celebrates with a parade of decorated floats, troupes in traditional costumes and musical entertainment. Actors perform comic sketches about social and political issues, while giant figurines are publicly ridiculed, judged and cheerfully burned. A variety of stalls offer some of the island’s most famous gastronomic specialities, including espetada and bolo do caco.


Madeira Carnival
One of the biggest street parties in Europe, Madeira’s Carnival evokes the riotous spirit of Rio! The festivities begin on Saturday with an elaborate parade through Funchal featuring the island’s best samba bands and troupes dancing through the streets in dazzling costumes. The party continues throughout the weekend and concludes on Shrove Tuesday with the fantastic Trapalhão parade – when the streets are full of locals in outlandish costumes. The music is contagious… put on your dancing shoes and join the party!

April

Festival de Jardins do Funchal (Festival of the Gardens)
The Festival de Jardins do Funchal aims to promote Funchal’s beautiful gardens, outdoor spaces and unique flora. Held in the Jardim Almirante Reis in the historic centre of Funchal, local residents, gardeners, artists and local businesses can take part by creating mini-gardens for the community and holidaymakers to enjoy. Allocated lots are provided free of charge by the Funchal Town Hall. Participants maintain this community garden for 11 months and prizes are awarded at the end of the festival.

May

Madeira Flower Festival
Every year, two weeks after Easter, Madeira’s flower-festival fills the main streets of Funchal’s centre with floats displaying a myriad of flowers and colours.

On the eve before the street parade, thousands of children gather in the Praça do Município where they build a ‘Wall of Hope’, made of thousands of flowers. Other activities during this time include the making of flower carpets in the streets, folklore performances, flower shows, classical music concerts and variety shows.

Festa do Limão (Lemon Festival) Ilha – Santana
The annual Lemon Festival is celebrated in the town of Santana, in the parish of Ilha. Local farmers proudly exhibit their produce and there are plenty of stalls selling cakes and traditional food containing this vital ingredient. The parish of Ilha produces about 90 tonnes of lemons per year, which represents about 25% of the island’s production. The Festa do Despique is also part of the festivities – a type of improvised folk music accompanied by traditional instruments.


Madeira Island Open (PGA European Tour) – Santo da Serra
The Madeira Island Open is one of two Portuguese golfing events on the official PGA European Tour for men. All three golf courses in the archipelago have hosted the event since 1993, including Santo da Serra Golf Club and Porto Santo Golf Club in recent years. Each course is set in a serene natural landscape with spectacular ocean views and lush greens – perfect for championship golf!


Feira do Livro (Book Fair) – Funchal
Held under the beautiful jacaranda trees in Funchal’s Avenida Arriaga, the annual Funchal Book Fair is a week-long event. Visitors can browse through the stands representing local bookshops and Portuguese publishing houses, or take part in events including book launches for new releases, poetry sessions, literary seminars, entertainment for children as well as exhibitions and live music performances. A great selection of books are available for all ages.


Festa da Cebola (Onion Festival) – Caniço
Dedicated to the humble onion, Festa da Cebola is a charming tribute to local farmers and the agricultural produce of Caniço. Admire artistic arrangements and displays with local flowers and enjoy the parade of tractors and cars decoratively covered with onions. Traditional music, craft stalls and a selection of food and wine ensure this festival is a popular event for all ages. Don’t forget to take home a box of home-grown onions – direct from the farmer!


Festas da Sé – Funchal 
The streets surrounding the Funchal Cathedral come alive at the end of May during the Festas da Sé – a typical Madeiran arraial (street party). Local restaurants in Rua de João Tavira, Rua do Bispo, Rua da Queimada de Cima, Rua da Queimada de Baixo and Rua dos Ferreiros feature special traditional menus and offer a wide selection of local food and wine. The streets are beautifully decorated for the occasion and entertainment includes music from singing groups and brass bands.

June

Medieval Market - Machico
Held in the oldest settlement in Madeira, Machico’s Medieval Market is an entertaining festival celebrating the early days on the archipelago. For a weekend in June, the streets are decorated with colourful flags and tents, while locals are dressed in full medieval costumes – from knights and ladies to merchants and minstrels. Entertainment includes dramatic historical re-enactments, open-air theatre, music, fire-eaters and acrobats. Market stalls sell a wide selection of handicrafts and offer demonstrations of pottery, weaving and woodwork.

The Atlantic Festival - Funchal
This important festival marks the beginning of the summer festivities on this island, numerous activities in the centre of Funchal with an international firework display competition every Saturday, Classical Music performance and street entertainment.
This event certainly is a major breathtaking tourist attraction, visitors are treated to a glorious Firework show that lights up Funchal´s night sky spreading magic through its bay and sea.

Madeira Island Ultra Trail
Registrations are now open for the Madeira Island Ultra Trail – a long distance trail running event that spans the island of Madeira. There are three races of 25 km, 55 km and 105 km (with a time limit for completion) travelling east to west from sea level to the mountainous peaks of pico do Arieiro and pico do Ruivo (1861 m) and through the stunning Laurissilva forests. Challengers endure changes in temperature and visibility during this race and require self-sufficiency in the mountains. 

Festival of Popular Saints 
The Festivities of Popular Saints are some of the greatest traditional festivals celebrated throughout the Island. These festivities are dedicated to the three popular saints; Santo Antonio (St. Antony), São João (St. John) and São Pedro (St Peter).

The celebrations begin with St. Antony in the beautiful Church of Santo António, with parades, traditional food and great entertainment. St. Anthony is the saint of Love and a match maker, during this festivity people make bonfires on the streets and jump over them as tradition, it is said the highest leapers will be lucky in love. Many marriages also take place during this festival.
Saint John is the most popular saint celebrated all over the island.  

St. John's Altars (Funchal) 19th to 24th -  traditional celebration, where local shops prepare and show off their altar creativity, followed by a celebration of traditional "marchas populares", entertainment and great food.
Porto Santo , 19th to 29th - best-known tourist attraction during this big festivity with lots of interesting events including traditional parades, jumping over bonfires on the beach and balloon release.
Saint Peter - the protector of the fishermen, the biggest celebration is in the fishing ports of Câmara de Lobos and in Ribeira Brava.

Câmara de Lobos June 28th to July 2nd - combined with the big celebrations of Saint Peter there is also the black scabbard fish Festival (Festa da Espada Preta) with great entertainment, live music, traditional dancing, fireworks display and food stalls set around the port, where you can enjoy a taste of delicious Madeira's specialties.
The black scabbard fish festival serves to promote one of the most typical gastronomic Madeiran specialties, also pay a tribute to the local fishermen, who for generations were the only ones in the island who devote themselves for the catch of this type of fish.
Ribeira Brava Jun 28th and 29th - great traditional celebrations that last trough the night, surrounded streets are decorated with colourful flowers, live entertainment, traditional dancing, music and food stalls set on the beach. As tradition, visitors who want to take part in the festival activity, popular night journeys are available between Funchal and Ribeira Brava. There will be a picturesque procession of boats held on the sea and at midnight a great firework display.
 
Festa da Cereja - Câmara de Lobos, Jardim da Serra
The Cherry Festival is one of the most important local activities held annually in Jardim da Serra since 1954. The dazzling beauty of the cherry blooming season takes place normally in April and May. The harvest begins at the end of May and usually lasts through to the end of June. There are a variety of cherry trees cultivated. The "regional ones", of medium sizes and prodigious yield and the late picking, large size “Norberto". This is a variety well adapted to the region's climate and soil. This sweet celebration of the local cherry harvest promises a fun-filled weekend of Festivities, with great entertainment, food and drink. There is also a cherry parade of wicker baskets filled with cherries and many street shops where you can enjoy and sample some of the great home made cherry liqueurs and many other varieties.

Madeira Classic Rally (Throughout the Island) 22nd to 26th
This month Madeira Island will be hosting for the 25th time, the Volta à Madeira Classic Rally race event.
The Clube Automóveis Clássicos da Madeira has organized once again the famous historic classic and vintage automobile event, which is part of FIA and the international FIVA calendar, respected and well known worldwide. This competitive tour takes place in June through Madeira’s picturesque mountains and valleys, allowing participants to admire Madeira’s fascinating beauty and nature.

July

Madeira Day 
Day of the Autonomous Region of Madeira and Madeiran Communities. On this day all of Madeira Island will celebrate its anniversary of the political Autonomy of Madeira, with various ceremonies in the centre of Funchal and throughout the region.

Madeira Big Game Fishing Championship 
Big Game Fishing is one of the most exciting sports in Madeira, which is recognised as one of the world’s best hot-spots for this activity.
Proud to be part of the Blue Marlin World Cup Championship, Madeira holds the world record and was the First Prize winner in 1995, 1996 and 1997.
This one-day event takes place on 4th of July in various locations across the Atlantic Ocean, each in their time zone between the hours of 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM and is described as ‘an extremely rewarding experience, a one-of-a-kind tournament with none other like it in the world’.
According to the official rules of the World Cup Blue Marlin Championship Tournament, the winning catch is the largest Blue Marlin caught, weighing at least 500 pounds, backed up by photographic evidence and witness statements. Madeira's Marlin season lasts from May to October and at Funchal Marina you may find some of the best, fully equipped boats and experienced crews for hire, professionals and newcomers are welcome.

Funchal Jazz Festival - Parque Santa Catarina, Funchal
Funchal presents a unique beauty, surrounded by privilege views of the mountains and deep blue sea. This year the beautiful Park of Santa Catarina will vibrate to the rhythms of Jazz, with great performances by famous artists from Madeira and international musicians.

II Madeira Bike Festival - Ponta do Sol
The annual Madeira Bike Festival is held on a sunny weekend in July. Organised by the Cycling Association of Madeira, this competition is a challenging sporting event for keen cyclists and mountain bikers. Exciting events include an urban downhill race as well as individual cross-country time trials. On the final day, locals and visitors can take part in a communal bike ride, which offers spectacular views of Madeira’s landscape. All cyclists are welcome, including children. Participants also enjoy a social dinner and prizes are awarded for different categories and experience levels.

48 hours Dancing Folklore Festival - Santana
The 48 hours Dancing festival is a Regional Folklore event held in Santana, where groups from many regions of Madeira and other Countries are invited to perform during a 48-hour period. There are several food and drink stalls and exceptional entertainment throughout the night.
 
Festa das Lapas - Paul do Mar
The Limpet festival is a popular annual event taking place in the picturesque harbour of Paul do Mar.  This is one of the most famous local traditional festivals, it runs for 3 nights and is filled with lots of entertainment, concerts and traditional food and of course fresh grilled Lapas (limpets) and Beer.

Festival Raízes do Atlântico - Funchal
The Festival Raízes do Atlântico (Atlantic Roots) is a free traditional event organised by DRAC, the Regional Board for Cultural Matters. This event is considered the oldest festival of world music of Portugal since 1994 and takes place in Funchal's Municipal Garden. The program is filled by traditional music of several countries, national and international artists and bands, in the World of Music.

Sea Week - Porto Moniz
Sea week is one of the most important events in Porto Moniz, also as part of the regional calendar of events, it offers a vast program of activities that invites hundreds of participants and visitors to the district. Besides the music, there are several contests, sea trips, canoe regatta, cultural and athletic activities and of course the Sea Games, with team representatives of several districts of the Region competing.

Gastronomic Week - Machico
The city of Machico celebrates once again the 27th annual gastronomic week, with live concerts and impressive culinary traditions, including a cocktail festival and many other activities such as sports tournaments and great entertainment. Visitors can enjoy a week of different flavours and tastes right by sea.

Banana Exhibit - Madalena do Mar
Every year in July, Madalena do Mar celebrates one of the most important local products with the Regional Banana Exhibition. Owing to the fact that Madeira’s biggest banana plantations found here the Festival, which serves to promote the product and old traditional practices, is recognized as a major cultural event. Visitors can enjoy great entertainment, banana sampling and traditional delicacies.

August

Madeira Wine Rally (European Rally Championship)
Rally cars dominate Madeira’s picturesque landscape over three days during the annual Madeira Wine Rally. This top race attracts a number of European competitors whose skilful driving is tested by the island’s mountainous routes, winding roads and unpredictable weather. Fans flock to watch the race and there are plenty of places where visitors can gather to appreciate the speed and expertise of the drivers. The Madeira Wine Rally is one of the top events in the FIA European Rally Championships.


Monte Festival 
The Monte Festival is one of the largest religious festivals on the island. The Nossa Senhora do Monte Church, located in the hills of Monte, is beautifully decorated with flowers in honour of Our Lady of the Monte, who is the patron saint of Madeira. Pilgrims take part in a procession to the church, with the streets covered in flowers. This picturesque place comes alive with entertainment and festivities, including music, dancing and stalls serving local food and drinks.


Funchal City Day
Dia da Cidade do Funchal commemorates the anniversary of the Royal Charter signed by King D. Manuel I in 1508, which officially recognises Funchal as a city. Historically an important sea port for trade, Funchal was the first European city built in the Atlantic. Official ceremonies include a mass at the Colégio Church and an assembly at the Town Hall, as well as plenty of local events and festivities.


Wine Harvest Festival – Porto Santo
Porto Santo’s Wine Harvest Festival is one of the biggest events in Porto Santo.
Held in Largo das Palmeiras, visitors enjoy the opportunity to get to know the grape varieties produced on the island. Activities include wine tastings, winemaking demonstrations and an exhibit of some of the tools and equipment used to cultivate and harvest the grapes, including a traditional wine press. Music and folklore groups provide plenty of entertainment.

Madeira Wine Festival 
Recalling the social and economic importance of Madeira wine by reliving old wine-growing traditions, the Madeira Wine Festival is held in September during the main period of grape harvesting. The festival begins in the village of Câmara de Lobos with the actual picking of the grapes, the pickers’ parade, the treading of the grapes and other related traditions that are enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. In the centre of Funchal, the Madeira Wine Festival includes light, sound and folk shows, all related to wine-making traditions, and many stands serve typical Madeiran food and drink specialities.

September
 
Columbus Festival - Porto Santo Island
This festival is dedicated to the great navigator Christopher Columbus and recalls the discoverer’s life in the Madeiran archipelago, his voyages to the Americas and the glorious times of the Portuguese Age of Discoveries. Held in Vila Baleira on Porto Santo Island, this week-long event features lots of music, exhibitions, parades and street parties. Columbus’ first visit to Madeira was in 1478, when Funchal was an important sugar trade centre. However, his closest ties to the archipelago result from his marriage to Filipa Moniz, daughter of the first captain-donee of Porto Santo. Columbus lived in the archipelago for a few years during the last quarter of the 15th century and his first child Diogo was born in Porto Santo. The highlight of this week is the re-enactment of Columbus’ and his party’s arrival in Porto Santo’s harbour.

Apple Festival – Ponta do Pargo 
Taking place in the rural village of Ponta do Pargo, in the district of Calheta, this event transforms apple production into a very lively and popular feast, bringing together many people from neighbouring regions. The apples of this region are even mentioned by renowned writers who refer to their delicious aroma. This is a very popular festival with the usual outdoor stands selling food and drinks.


Mostra da Sidra (Apple Cider Festival) – Santo da Serra
The Apple Cider Festival promotes the popular Madeiran tradition of making delicious apple cider from the apples grown in the district of Santo da Serra. This festival comprises a small procession, which includes the pressing of the apples, as well as much music and lively activities connected to an agricultural theme.

World Tourism Day – Funchal
Madeira celebrates World Tourism Day with activities and entertainment that recognise the importance of tourism on the island. Downtown Funchal is beautifully decorated with flowers for the occasion and visitors enjoy free entry to a number of gardens and museums in Madeira. Music and folk dancing groups provide plenty of cultural entertainment throughout the day, while visitors will also be greeted with flowers, gifts and entertainment at Madeira Airport.

October

Madeira Nature Festival
Discover the natural beauty of Madeira with the Madeira Nature Festival, a new addition to the island’s annual events calendar. The dynamic programme offers insights into Madeira’s natural and cultural heritage, as well as a wide range of adventurous activities for all ages, from paragliding over the mountains to sailing the deep blue Atlantic.

Festa da Maçã - Camacha
This Apple Festival takes place in the rural district of Camacha and consists of an exhibition and street parade, which is very pleasant for both participants and visitors, due to the variety of colours and aromas perfuming the air. Don’t forget to sample some of the freshly-squeezed apple cider.

Happy Halloween
A popular holiday in the UK and North America, Halloween is also celebrated on the island of Madeira. At few shopping centres in Madeira, kids dress up in costume, get their faces painted and then go trick or treating from store to store. The Madeira Magic Park also organises a Halloween party for kids with a program of exciting events. Bars and nightclubs throughout the city also host parties for Halloween.

November 

Chestnut Festival (Festa da Castanha) – Curral das Freiras
On the first day of November in the rural district of Curral das Freiras, homage is paid to the chestnut, which grow in abundance in this area. The local population makes the most of the chestnuts as they are used as a main ingredient in many local recipes including baked goods, soups, and liqueur. This feast reflects the numerous cultural and traditional aspects of this rural area.


Funchal International Film Festival – Funchal
Film buffs gather for the annual Funchal International Film Festival, which presents a wide selection of independent films in a variety of genres. Held in the Teatro Municipal Baltazar Dias, this week-long festival comprises an international competition for feature and short films, as well as animation, documentaries and a local competition for films produced in Madeira. Every year also features a retrospective of the best Portuguese filmmakers.

Madeira Wine, Embroidery & Handicrafts Festival 
This is a celebration of Madeira’s unique crafts and wine-making traditions. Learn more about Madeiran embroidery, tapestry and ceramic tile painting by participating in workshops, or simply enjoy wine tasting, wine auctions, exhibitions of beautiful embroidery and live entertainment over three days. This event is hosted by the Madeira Wine Institute on Rua 5 de Outubro, Funchal.

December – January 

Christmas lights in Madeira – December 8th  to January 6th
Christmas and New Year celebrations in Madeira offer an array of cultural, folk and artistic events to enjoy. The festive season starts in December when Funchal’s streets are magnificently decorated and the colorful lights are switched on in the city’s main streets until early January.

New Year’s Eve is celebrated everywhere on the island, in hotels, restaurants, bars, and even in the streets. The highlight of the New Year’s Eve festivities are spectacular fireworks – set off from approximately 50 posts – that illuminate the skies over Funchal. This is a truly unforgettable event, which brings back a multitude of visitors to the island each year.