Christmas and New Year Festivities

There are magnificent examples of paintings and portable altarpieces of Flemish origin, nativity boxes, polychrome clay figure collections, Baby Jesus figures, staircase nativity scenes and recreations of traditional nativity scenes, in Madeira’s Museums.

The Christmas Workshops allow for the making and sharing of treats, thus diffusing the genuine Madeiran traditions of this season. On the designated days and times, next to the stage in Avenida Arriaga, it is possible to learn how to make various traditional treats such as Poncha and Bolo do Caco, amongst other recipes typical of this season, Bonecas de Massa (dough dolls), decorating Christmas tables, and various other traditional Madeiran features, at no cost.

The true Madeiran Christmas traditions are shown in different locations throughout the island on different dates. The most well-known is the market night at the Farmers’ Market in Funchal on the 23rd of December.

The Regional Education, Science and Technology Department, in partnership with the Regional Tourism and Culture Department, are promoting the Regional School Choir Festival, an event which brings together pupils from schools in the Region.

From the second half of December until Christmas eve, Madeirans get up at the crack of dawn to participate in the masses honoring Our Lady. After mass, in the church square, people share sandwiches of “carne de vinha d’alhos” (pork in wine and garlic), homemade liquors, songs and joy of the Christmas spirit. This is surely one of the best ways to get to know Madeirans’ Christmas spirit.

The Choir Festival titled “Christmas in Funchal”, to be held in various churches, presents Christmas Choral Music sung by various choirs from the Region. This is an event organized by Orfeão Madeirense, the oldest Choral Group in Madeira and one of the oldest in Portugal, founded in 1919.

The fireworks show for the New Year lasts about eight minutes and is distributed across 59 fireworks stations located across Funchal’s amphitheater (27 stations), Pier 8 and Praia Almirante Reis (25 stations), at sea (5 stations) and Porto Santo Island (2 stations).

On the 5th of January, at 7 pm, hymns of the Epiphany are sung in the auditorium of the Municipal Garden, in a concert open to the public which revives this Madeiran tradition. The Arrival of the Three Kings is celebrated on the 6th of January, and tradition has it that it be celebrated with the famous Bolo-Rei (Three King’s Cake), which contains a broad bean and a small gift inside. According to tradition, whoever is lucky enough to receive the slice which contains the broad bean, will have to buy the cake the following year, and whoever gets the gift will have to buy the drinks, thus keeping to tradition year after year.

Nature Festival - An exciting adventure dedicated to those who love nature sports. Challenge your limits in contact with Madeira's natural heritage!

Don't miss the Atlantic Festival! Madeira is filled with animation to celebrate the beginning of summer with music, fireworks and memorable shows.

"Classics at Magnolia" is a living showcase where the focus is on classic cars. Discover fascinating stories that span generations.

Get to know the Wine Festival! It is never too much to honor this regional product, known for its excellent quality all over the world.

The Madeira Flower Festival occurs with the arrival of spring, when Madeira's gardens become even more colorful and exuberant. It celebrates Nature.

Columbus Festival - A unique opportunity to remember and experience the Age of Discoveries and Columbus' stay on the island of Porto Santo.

Madeira's Carnival it's one of the highlights of Madeira's festival calendar. A wave of joy that spreads throughout the archipelago.