Madeira Islands Events

Madeira’s calendar is unusually full for an island its size, with three events that people plan a year around.

New Year fireworks — 31 December, Funchal

The city sits in a natural amphitheatre around its bay, and on New Year’s Eve that bowl is used as a stage. Fireworks are fired simultaneously from dozens of points across the hillsides, the harbour and the ships anchored offshore, so the display surrounds the viewer rather than sitting in front of them. It held a Guinness world record for the largest fireworks show in 2006 and remains one of the most ambitious anywhere; cruise ships schedule to be in port for it, and the hotels above the bay sell out a year ahead at several times normal rates. The whole of December leads up to it, with the city lit from early in the month, a midnight market on the 23rd, and choirs in the streets.

Flower Festival — late April or early May

Funchal is carpeted in flowers, children build a Wall of Hope from single blooms, and a parade of enormous floral floats and costumed groups moves through the centre.

Carnival — February or March

A full Brazilian-influenced parade with samba schools and costume, plus a satirical procession on the Tuesday.

Atlantic Festival — Saturdays in June

Firework displays over the bay each Saturday, set to music as an international competition, with concerts in the city through the month.

Wine Festival — late August and September

Harvest events, grape treading at Estreito de Camara de Lobos and tastings at the Funchal lodges.