(English Version)
FLOWER FESTIVAL 2021, OCTOBER 1 TO 24 (Published: June 2021)
The Flower Festival is a cultural event associated the local traditions, whether through the performances of folk groups, or through the construction of the beautiful floral carpets, an event filled with lots of entertainment activities, such as music concerts and variety shows, to be held from October,1st to 24th.
"Wall of Hope" - October, 2nd
On Saturday morning the Children's Parade takes place, in which thousands of children, dressed for the occasion, parade to Praça do Município to build a beautiful flower mural symbolically named “Wall of Hope”.
Allegoric Parade - October,3rd
On Sunday afternoon, the streets of downtown Funchal are once again filled with music, color and soft perfumes with the sumptuous parade of floats that harmoniously combine multiple floral species with decorations full of creativity.
The Allegorical Flower Parade, is one of the main highlights of this event, taking place since 1979. This parade is highliighted by the magnificence and sumptuousness of ts floats intricaly decorated with magnificent flowers, and the lovely costumes woren by the hundreds of participants, mostly children parading to the sound of cheerful musical themes and performing choreographies either simple or elaborated.
Other activities integrated in this event:
Flower and Regional Flavours Market
The flower market allows the public to get to know the countless floral and decorative species that exist in Madeira. Here, locals and visitors can buy flowers in a picturesque and traditional environment. Besides the flowers, the regional flavours will be present through the local gastronomy and typical drinks.
Flower Exhibition
The Flower Exhibition takes place in the city centre of Funchal, more specifically at Praça do Povo. It is a continuation of the exhibition that took place at the Commercial Ateneo of Funchal, which began in the fifties of the last century. The most beautiful specimens of the most varied types of flowers produced throughout Madeira can be appreciated and evaluated, developed with all the affection and dedication of their growers. The flowers on display are evaluated in their various categories and distinguished by a specialized jury.
Floral Carpets and Decorations - Av. Arriaga central walkways
The profusion of Madeira's flora has greatly contributed to the establishment of this artistic expression. This tradition of building floral carpets proliferates throughout the island and originated in the decoration of religious processions.
Thanks to their unquestionable beauty and detail, for some years now, flower carpets have been on display in the streets on the occasion of the Flower Festival.
Flower Concerts - October, 7th to 9th
Integrated in the Flower Festival programme four concerts are held in emblematic venues of the island of Madeira with the purpose of decentralizing the festivities and strengthening the entertainment offer.
These concerts take place in an environment with a unique atmosphere, where the public - tourists and residents - can enjoy high quality musical moments in a setting of unique beauty, surrounded by the diversity of Madeira's flora.
Floral Installations - October, 21st and 24th
The diversity of Madeiran flora contributed, in a great way, to the establishment of these artistic manifestations, which combine the beauty of flowers with the characteristic elements of Madeiran tradition and culture. The floral sculptures are a great contribution to the magnificence of city decorations, whose careful construction is shared and admired by our visitors. These wonderful facilities will be displayed on Avenida Sá Carneiro, at the entrance to the Cais do Funchal and next to the Legislative Assembly of Madeira on the last weekend of the Flower Festival.
Madeira Flower Collection - Venue: Pier 8 (Cais 8) - October,23rd and 24th
This event aims to promote the regional fashion sector, engaging a wide number of creators inspired by the flowers, therefore bestowing a touch of contemporaneity and “glamour” to one of the greatest tourist attractions of Madeira, in an unique touristic entertainment moment.
This event presents original fashion creations by various local designers.
POPULAR PARADES 12, 13 and 23 JUNE (Published: June 2021)
During the month of June, and in particular between June, 12th,13th and 23rd, several festivities are held in tribute to several the popular saints, starting with the celebration in honour of Santo António (Saint Anthony), a religious feast celebrated with particular enthusiasm in the parish bearing his name.
Other parishes in the municipality of Funchal, namely São Pedro (Saint Peter) (28th) and São João (Saint John),(23rd), also organize parades on the eve of the day of São João, a very lively celebration typical of the popular saint’s festive evenings.
MADEIRA WITH LESS RESTRICTIONS RENEWS INVITATION TO TOURISTS (Published: May 2021)
May begins with the easing of measures in the island region, which changes the curfew from 11 pm to 5 am. Catering establishments, entertainment and games of chance or chance are open until 22:00 and the bathing season recommends an almost normality. These measures are implemented thanks to the low number of new daily cases and active cases.
Until May 2, 91 293 vaccines administered (27.1 %% of the population with the first dose and 8.8% with both). Tourism professionals vaccinated by the end of May. Restaurants, bars and spaces with games of chance open until 10 pm. A bathing season with swimming pools, playgrounds and sports facilities reopened. Madeira has less restrictions, the mild climate, the hospitality, the lush nature and the vast blue sea as always. What do you expect to visit?
The new measures were implemented on the second day of May and advocate an almost normality. The relief of schedules allows you to enjoy the region even more. After diving into the intense blue sea, sunbathing on the sand, exploring nature in a levada, being surprised by the beauty of a waterfall, practicing a sport that activates the adrenaline, taking a tour of the markets and many other options, you can enjoy dinner in one of the many typical restaurants, try your luck at the casino and go to the hotel to rest until 11pm.
From Monday to Sunday, the new schedule is in effect: restaurants, bars and game spaces will close at 22:00. The curfew is from 11 pm to 5 am.
The restaurants will be able to serve meals in their respective spaces, with a capacity of up to 50%, measures of social distance and up to five people per table, both inside and outside. The bars also maintain a maximum capacity of 50% and the limit of up to five people per table, being forbidden to drink at the counter or standing.
Tourist land and sea vehicles that can operate at full capacity, in case all occupants have been vaccinated or are recovered from COVID-19 disease. Otherwise, the 2/3 limit remains. Tourism information professionals are now able to accompany up to 25 tourists, and must ensure social distance. It should also be noted that there is a goal to have these professionals vaccinated by the end of May.
The bathing complexes keep the capacity restrictions and the respective changing rooms, indoor showers and drinking fountains closed, but the bathing season is accompanied by the reopening of swimming pools, playgrounds, sports infrastructure, equipment and floating platforms.
Notwithstanding the easing of schedules and new reopenings, all visitors must comply with the Health Safety rules that continue to apply throughout the region - mandatory use of a mask, from the age of six, social distance (two meters between people and avoid crowds) ) and frequent hand hygiene.
All national and international tourists who want to embark on a trip to Madeira can enter the destination through four possibilities.
Present a negative test carried out 72 hours before departure or perform the same on arrival at the airport. In the latter case, they must go to their hotel and stay there until the result is obtained, which is sent in an estimated period from 6 am to 12 pm. It should be noted that Madeira will continue to offer a test to each visitor - it can be used at the entrance or exit of the region -, to be carried out at the airport and in the registered clinics on the continent. List of 70 harvest stations.
In case it is necessary to carry out more tests per tourist, it is possible to carry out PCR tests from 90 € and Antigenic tests from 18 €.
Vaccinated tourists must present the passport or vaccination certificate validated by the respective country of origin, which includes the name, date of birth, health number, type and date of the test, type of vaccine, date of the two doses taken and the respect for the immunization period according to the instructions for each vaccine.
Passengers recovered from COVID-19 in the last 90 days must present a document proving their recovery. It should specify the type of test, the date of the test and the word “recovered”. If the document presented indicates that the tourist has recovered for more than 90 days, its holder is subject to normal conditions, a new test and mandatory confinement pending the result of the same.
In any case, in order to be eligible for entry, tourists must submit the respective proofs, vaccination and recovered, on the app madeirasafe.com before the trip, in English for foreigners.
LAUNCH OF THE NEW MADEIRA BRAND (Published: April 2021)
Assist the launch of the New Madeira Brand, today the 12th of April, at 10 a.m. and then at 12 noon, through the Visit Madeira digital platforms.
The Madeira Brand is much more than a graphic identity, it will be our identity as a territory and people. What differentiates us and makes us unique and special. What we are and the way we want to be seen.
This moment, special for the habitants of Madeira and Porto Santo, however wishing that all form a part of it too, will have two distinct moments which will be transmitted through the Visit Madeira digital platforms. At 10a.m., the presentation of the creation process of the Madeira Brand and its purpose. At 12 noon, the launch of the new identity and image of the Madeira Brand will be made official, with direct transmission from Praça do Povo, counting with the presence of His Excellency, the President of the Regional Government of Madeira, Dr. Miguel Albuquerque.
Madeira is taking on a new shape, a new image, a new brand!
COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS – AUTONOMOUS REGION OF MADEIRA (Published: April 2021)
In view of the epidemiological evolution in the Autonomous Region of Madeira, and in accordance with Government Resolution No. 69/2021, of 29 January, the Regional Government of Madeira will maintain the set of preventive measures, already in force as from 13 January, and now extended until May 3rd.
Prohibition on Gatherings:
Gatherings of more than 5 persons in public ways, or in any other public area, are prohibited, except if from the same family unit.
Circulation Restrictions:
Circulation on public ways and areas is prohibited on weekdays between 7p.m. and 5a.m. of the following day.
On weekends and public holidays, the circulation restriction on public ways and areas will be between 6p.m. and 5a.m. of the following day.
Restriction on Commercial Activity:
These establishments close at 6p.m. on weekdays and 5p.m. on weekends.
Restaurants / Bars and Similar establishments:
These establishments close at 6p.m. on weekdays and 5p.m. on weekends and public holidays.
Restaurants will be allowed to operate until 10p.m., exclusively for the preparation of meals for home delivery.
Others:
All gambling establishments, casinos, bingo or similar locations, must close at 6p.m. on weekdays and at 5p.m. on weekends.
It has also been determined that, as long as the state of emergency is in force or there are high risk municipalities, the circulation prohibition in the Autonomous Region of Madeira on public ways, on the remaining days, will be from 7p.m. to 5a.m.
The exceptions are those forseen in the Government Council Resolution of the 4th of January.
Porto Santo – Maritime Connections
Passengers boarding at the Funchal Port with Porto Santo Island as destination, should present the PCR screening test for SARS-CoV-2 infection, with a negative result, carried out within a maximum period of 72 hours prior to departure.
Exceptions:
a) Children up to eleven years of age;
b) Travellers who are residents of Porto Santo Island and are returning to the island within seven days, as they will perfom the PCR test on the 5th day after arrival, thus guaranteeing their prophylactic isolation until then;
c) Travellers who present a medical document, issued in the last 90 days, certifying that they have recovered from COVID-19 disease, or a document certifying that they have been vaccinated against COVID-19.
Travellers should schedule the PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 infection, by registering on the website www.madeirasafe.com or at the Emergency and Public Health Unit, with a minimum of 4 days in advance (96 hours), via the following e-mail: saudepublica.drs@madeira.gov.pt.
Taking the PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 infection does not incur any charges for the traveller.
MADEIRA NOMINATED FOR "EUROPE’S LEADING ISLAND DESTINATION" (Published: April 2021)
Madeira Destination is again nominated in the 2021 World Travel Awards (WTA), considered the “Oscars of tourism”, in the category “Europe’s Leading Island Destination”.
Other tourist destinations of reference compete in this category, namely the Azores, Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, Crete (Greece), Cyclades - Aegean Islands (Greece), Cyprus, Guernsey, Jersey, Malta, Sardinia and Sicily (Italy), in a voting process that will run between the 30th of March and the 14th of July.
Madeira Destination has won the award for "Europe’s Leading Island Destination " seven times, as well as the award for "World’s Leading Island Destination" six times.
Created in 1993, the “World Travel Awards” are held once a year and intend to recognize, reward and celebrate excellence in all sectors of the tourism industry on a global scale.
In addition to this nomination, Madeira features in other categories, namely "Europe’s Leading Beach Destination" (Porto Santo), "Europe´s Leading Adventure Tourism Destination" and "Europe’s Leading Festival and Event Destination".
EUROPEAN BEST DESTINATIONS RECOGNIZES MADEIRA IN SEVERAL CATEGORIES (Published: April 2021)
European Best Destinations, a European entity that promotes culture and tourism, which annually recognizes the best European tourist destinations, once again highlights Madeira Destination in several categories.
Madeira thus occupies the first place, respectively, in the "Warmest Destinations for Winter sun in Europe", "Best European Cruise Destination", "Most Paradisiacal Destinations in Europe", "Best Bird Watching Destinations in Europe" categories, and the "Most Romantic Destinations for Valentine Day in Europe - Porto Santo Island" category being attributed this time, to Porto Santo Island.
It also ranks 2nd in the "Best Destinations to watch dolphins & whales in Europe" category, 5th place in the "Best Hiking Destinations in Europe" category, with special reference to the trail between Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo as being one of the most exciting in the European continent; 8th place, respectively, in the categories "Best Natural Pools in Europe - Porto Moniz" and "Best Christmas Markets in Europe 2021" and 11th place in the "Most Romantic Destinations in Europe" category.
More recently, it was recognized, in the "Best Destination for Road trips in Europe" category (2nd place), highlighting Madeira, as a perfect holiday destination for a road trip, between curves and counter-curves, ups and downs, waterfalls and breathtaking views, where emotions run high.
These awards thus reinforce, once again, the prestige and positioning of Madeira at an international level, as a tourist destination of excellence and a reference in the European Tourism industry. More information at: https://www.europeanbestdestin...
"MADEIRA...WHERE YOU FEEL CONNECTED!" CAMPAIGN (Published: March 2021)
"Madeira. Where you feel connected!” is the motto of the new campaign launched by the Madeira Tourism Board, through the Madeira Promotion Bureau (APM), which aims to strengthen the emotional connection of Destination Madeira with the international market, through a digital promotional campaigns, aimed for different markets such as the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Holland, Poland, Belgium, Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden, Austria, Czech Republic, Luxembourg, Finland and Norway.
Based on an "inspirational" concept, this campaign aims to keep Madeira "top of mind" for tourists, reinforcing its connection to the destination, thus staking for this purpose, on a message that highlights all its attractions and tourist highlights, which seduce, make a difference and continue to captivate and capture the interest of its visitors.
Read more at: https://www.madeiraallyear.com...
MADEIRA ISLAND ULTRA TRAIL (MIUT) POSTPONED TO NOVEMBER (Published: March 2021)
The organization of the MIUT 2021 has decided to postpone the 12th edition of this event, to the 20th of November, in view of the epidemiological evolution of the current COVID 19 world pandemic.
According to information published in the organization’s official channels, those who registered for the MIUT® 2021, will receive new access codes to their registration, during the months of March and April, for the reconfirmation and or postponing to 2022 or 2023, as well as to safeguard any updates on behalf of the subscribers.
At an organizational level and in view of the size of the event itself, this postponement thus aims to guarantee maximum security for all those directly involved, namely participants, volunteers and members of the organization.
For further information, visit the event's official website at:: https://www.miutmadeira.com
MADEIRA AGAIN ELECTED THE 2021 SAFEST DESTINATION IN EUROPE (Published: March 2021)
Madeira has once again been chosen as the safest European destination for travelling in 2021, like other tourist destinations which are included in the list presented by European Best Destinations (EBD), namely the Archipelago of the Azores, Alentejo and the city of Lagoa, in the Algarve.
Amongst the reasons for including Madeira in this list of the safest destinations in Europe to travel are aspects related to the effectiveness of the set of sanitary measures applied by the regional authorities to control the pandemic in the region, namely through the programme "Madeira Safe to Discover" and the "Clean and Safe" (TdP) certification, thus remaining in the green zone, with one of the lowest rates of active cases in Europe, when compared to other European destinations ”.
EBD's list of the Top 13 "Covid-19 safest destinations in Europe" includes other tourist destinations, namely the Azores (Portugal), Monte Carlo (Monaco), Martinique (French Antilles), Lagoa - Algarve (Portugal), Tahiti (French Polynesia), Asos - Kefalonia Island (Greece), Alentejo (Portugal), Corfu (Greece), Kokkari - Samos Island (Greece), Meteroa (Greece), Ikaria (Greece), Cavtat (Croatia).
Find out more at: https://www.europeanbestdestin...
MADEIRA SAFE TO DISCOVER APP (Published: March 2021)
The Madeira Safe to Discover App, developed by the Madeira Promotion Bureau in partnership with IASaúde, is aimed at all travellers (tourists and residents) who arrive in Madeira, enabling them to obtain a variety of free experiences and aimed at various audiences.
Available at www.madeirasafetodiscover.com/app or on appstore/playstore, travellers will not only be able to fill in all the information required by regional health authorities to enter and stay in the Autonomous Region of Madeira, but also submit proof of PCR testing for Covid -19, performed in the 72 hours prior to departure.
Now, using the App allows you to earn points by completing daily tasks and challenges, which can later be exchanged for experiences and still have access to exclusive information, such as details of local attractions and the best time to visit them; a map with the main tourist attractions and also a trip planner allowing for more effective trip planning.
There are about 80 experiences (limited and subject to existing availability), divided into two levels - Silver and Gold - that can be obtained by users through the fulfillment of a set of steps:
- Register on the Madeira Safe to Discover App - 5 points;
- Fill out the epidemiological survey before or upon arrival in the destination - 5 points;
- Submit a certificate / proof of testing for Covid-19 prior to your trip - 30 points;
- Activate the option to receive push notifications - 5 points;
- Share the app on your social networks - 5 points;
- Use the app daily - 1 point per day;
- Inform us of your daily health status in “How I am ” - 1 point for each update (max. 2 points per day).
The app is integrated with the health authority's website www.madeirasafe.com, so the steps performed on the app will always be reflected in the user's registration on this web page, as long as the user validates that authentication.
MADEIRA ELECTED THE SAFEST DESTINATION IN EUROPE FOR CHRISTMAS BY EBD (Published: November 2020)
Madeira was elected the safest European region to visit at Christmas, and the only Portuguese one that is part of the list drawn up by European Best Destinations.
Among the reasons for including Madeira in the list of the safest destinations to travel to, at Christmas, is the sanitation situation, where the region has twelve times fewer cases of covid-19, per million inhabitants, compared to other European destinations ”.
Madeira Destination is thus highlighted as the “most beautiful tropical Christmas destination in Europe”, with the “sunniest Christmas market”, “sublime illuminations”, in addition to handicrafts, Madeira wine and gastronomy.
The list of the Top 15 "Covid-19 Safest Christmas Destinations" by EBD also includes other tourist destinations such as Tallinn (Estonia), Vienna (Austria), Krakow (Romania), Prague (Czech Republic), Gdansk (Poland) ), Dresden (Germany), Zagreb (Croatia), Baden-Baden (Germany), Bratislava (Slovakia), Dusseldorf (Germany), Ljubljana (Slovenia), Warsaw (Poland), Rothenburg ob der Tauber (Germany), Graz (Austria).
MADEIRA VOTED EUROPE'S LEADING ISLAND DESTINATION (WTA) (Published: November 2020)
For the fifth consecutive year and the seventh time since its first participation, Madeira was elected by the World Travel Awards as the “Europe´s Leading Island Destinationn 2020", in those that are considered the“ Oscars of tourism ”, in a gala that took place in a virtual format, due to the covid-19 coronavirus pandemic.
Madeira competed in this category alongside other tourist destinations such as the Canary and Balearic Islands (Spain), Cyclades and Crete (Greece), Guernsey and Jersey (United Kingdom), Cyprus, Malta, Azores (Portugal), Sicily and Sardinia (Italy).
The World Travel Awards are held once a year and intend to recognize, reward and celebrate excellence in all sectors of the tourism industry on a global scale.
The greatest weight of the votes derived from the tourism professionals and travel agents located in more than 200 countries worldwide.
Visit this destination recognized for its excellence!
X-MAS TOUR 2020 - FROM DECEMBER 1st TO JANUARY 8th, 2020/1 (Published: October 2020)
Experience Christmas in Madeira with the annual Christmas Light-Up Tour!
The Christmas spirit takes hold of the city, starting with the inauguration of the outdoor Christmas light displays and decorations that adorn the streets of Funchal during the first week of December.
The X-Mas Tour tour stops in:
Câmara de Lobos: Neighboring fishing village in the city of Funchal. The Praça da Autonomia in the municipality of Câmara de Lobos is filled, especially during the Christmas season, with color, lights and lots of entertainment, as well as the traditional public crib, which can be visited. In addition to the square, the streets are decorated and lit to make traveling in the magic of Christmas.
Miradouro do Pináculo: Considered one of the most emblematic viewpoints in the city of Funchal, the Pináculo viewpoint is located to the East of Funchal. This viewpoint is located at 283 meters from sea level and offers one of the most magnificent views over the bay of Funchal.
Funchal City Center: Funchal, with its impressive, magical and imaginative lights, trumpeting angels and multicolored trees, captures the imagination and transforms the city into an illuminated wonderland. We travel in minibuses the main arteries of the Madeiran capital. The focus is on the central square, Avenida Arriaga, where there are plenty of stalls with traditional food and drinks from the region.
Book here: X-Mas Tour 2020 - Available Now
"Let us keep Christmas beautiful" - Feeling Madeira
TOURIST ENTERTAINMNENT CALENDAR 2020-2023
Download: MADEIRA TOURIST ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR 2020/23
L CONCERTS (Published: October 2020)
The Estalagem da Ponta do Sol, in collaboration with Madeira Tourism Board, the company “Urbanistas” and the Madeira Music Conservatoire, hosts another edition of “L Concerts".
This cultural initiative, whose projection has been establishing itself in national and international levels with the aim of making the most of the summer and enjoying a good open air concert the Hotel Estalagem da Ponta do Sol promotes the show "L Concerts".
A set of 10 concerts are programmed, depicting both Portuguese and international music in addition to more alternative and traditional sounds, such as indie, rock, jazz.
Previous editions welcomed the participation of notorious international names, such as Barbara Eugénia (Brazil), Karina Gomes (Guiné-Bissau), Weyes Blood (USA) and the North American duo THEESatisfaction, among others.
CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR´S EVE FESTIVITIES (Published: October 2020)
The arrival of the decorative lights in the streets of the city centre of Funchal, during the month of December, sets the beginning of the Madeira Christmas and End of the Year Festivities programme.
These festivities culminate with the famous fireworks show, officially recognised in 2006 by the Guinness Book of Records, as the largest fireworks show in the world.
These commemorations consist of a rich and extensive programme of cultural, religious, ethnographic and artistic manifestations that take place throughout the entire month of December, an event that culminates on January 6th.
Find out more about what to expect from Christmas and New Year Festivities in Madeira, taking place between December 1st, 2020 to January 10th, 2021.
December 23rd
Market Night is held on December 23rd, when Madeirans do their last-minute Christmas shopping and it is in this hustle and bustle that the spirit of the “Festivity” can best be felt, the nickname given by the Madeirans to identify Christmas. The inhabitants move towards the Farmers' Market where the surrounding streets, which are closed to traffic, are occupied by various points of sale opened throughout the night. They have varied local products such as flowers, shrubs, fruits, vegetables, sweets, wine-and-garlic meat sandwiches and typical drinks, such as poncha.
At nightfall the biggest attraction of the day begins, a traditional Christmas carols show, where locals take on the role of true artists. Also the participation of music bands and folklore groups helps to maintain the atmosphere of celebration and fun until dawn.
December 28th
Organised by the Madeira Athletics Association, the Funchal Road Race is one of the oldest sports events of its kind in Portugal and Europe. This race that has attracted innumerable national and international athletes to the island, brings lots of adrenaline and excitement to the Madeiran capital.
December 31st
The fireworks show lasts for about eight minutes and is distributed by several fireworks stations in the Funchal amphitheatre, the waterfront, the city centre, the sea and one station on Porto Santo Island.
This grand spectacle that is one of Madeira’s most important tourist events, was internationally recognised in 2006 by the Guinness Book of Records as "The largest fireworks show in the World".
January 5th
On the evening of January 5th to 6th the Twelfth Night songs are sung in the neighbours’ houses, a little throughout the region. It is this spirit that seeks to recreate the popular tradition of the Madeiran traditional songs that were made on this day, door to door, in various localities of the ARM, which the Association of the Casas do Povo of the Autonomous Region of Madeira organises and produces in the Auditorium of the Municipal Garden of Funchal, the musical show “Cantar os Reis” ( The Twelfh nights songs).
Other initiatives included in the programme:
Childbirth Masses
Christmas begins with the "Missas do Parto" (childbirth masses) starting December 16th and ending on Christmas Eve, with the midnight mass. The "Missas do Parto" - the novenas - are nine in total and are celebrate early in the morning. After the mass, believers gather in the churchyard to hear the chanting, accompanied by groups of strings, accordions and castanets, with no shortage of the “despiques”, which are followed by the snack with spirits, liqueurs and cakes.
In some parishes of Madeira such as Câmara de Lobos and Camacha, the tradition of philharmonic bands is maintained, accompanied by other instruments, such as castanets, bass drums, braguinhas or accordions, of going door to door, in a joyful symphony, to awaken its locals and rush them to this typical ritual of our land.
46TH EDITION / BOOK FAIR - NOVEMBER 13th TO 22nd (Published: October 2020)
The Municipal Square is be the centre stage of the annual Book Fair, a cultural event held between November 13th to 22nd , which involves most of Madeira's bookshops and some Portuguese publishing houses.
This initiative is being run by Funchal Municipal Council and includes a diverse range of activities, from conferences, book launches and exhibitions which will take place at Baltazar Dias Municipal Theatre.
CHESTNUT FESTIVAL - OCTOBER, 31st AND NOVEMBER, 1 st (Published: October 2020)
Organized by the Casa do Povo of Curral das Freiras with the purpose of promoting this important regional agricultural product.
The Chestnut Festival is an opportunity for the numerous visitors to taste the various delicacies and products made from this fruit, namely: roasted chestnuts, liqueurs and cakes.
This occasion also offers a chance to promote a gastronomic competition held amongst some of the village´s typical restaurants, an event to be held between October,31st and November,1st.
Come to Curral das Freiras and taste the chestnut!
FUNCHAL ECO TRAIL - OCTOBER, 24th (Published: October 2020)
The city of Funchal is part of an international route of Eco Trail events, a kind of trail running that is unique for the fact that it includes an urban circuit, a sports event held on October,24th.
Over the next 3 years, Funchal will start to appear on the international Eco Trail circuit, placing Madeira´s capital firmly on the map in terms of this sport. Through international and local partnerships, all necessary conditions have been met to ensure the excellence and quality of this event.
This competition integrates various classes, and is comprised of three races in distances of 80, 40 and 18 km.
MADEIRA FILM FESTIVAL - OCTOBER, 12th TO 18th (Published: October 2020)
The Madeira Nature Film Festivals an international independent film festival inspired by nature,that brings together various initiatives related to sustainability, art, education, ecotourism, recreation, a tribute to the Laurissilva Forest, recognised by UNESCO as World Natural Heritage.
The Madeira Nature Film Festival stands out for its investment in a diversified programme combining cinematography with music concerts, lectures, workshops and solidarity fashion shows, in a unique and intimate ambiance, taking place between october,12th to 18th.
This festival is also distinguished for its educational component, directed towards the development of projects in many areas including: communication and marketing, multimedia, arts and design, theatre, environment and sustainability, among many others. This event aims at awakening consciences for the ecological preservation of natural resources, and provides an excellent opportunity for those who wish to have their film project reviewed by international cinematographers.
The organising committee of the European Best Destinations announced the list of the safest Christmas markets in Europe, of which Madeira is part.The selection process was based on the following criteria: number of Covid-19 cases per million inhabitants, number of hospital beds per inhabitant, proximity to airports, implementation of sanitary and hygiene measures in hotels, stores, restaurants, public transport and places, among others. According to the EBD, the Archipelago of Madeira is nevertheless highlighted for its action and commitment to position itself as a safe destination, having implemented a set of measures and good practices for this purpose, namely the SGS certification, and the “Clean & Safe” stamp, in order to guarantee and minimize the risk of a pandemic resurgence in the region, as can also be read on the official website: "With up to 12 times fewer COVID-19 cases per million inhabitants than other European destinations and without casualties, Madeira is a safe destination for your Christmas holidays ". The Christmas market is part of the Christmas and New Year's Eve programme, which starts on the 1st of December and ends on the 10th of January 2021 this year.
MADEIRA IS THE MOST AFFORDABLE ISLAND DESTINATION FOR THE BRITISH (Published: October 2020)
Madeira is the most affordable island destination, with no quarantine for British people looking for autumn sunshine, according to a new study by Post Office Travel Money.The report, called ‘Islands in the Sun Holiday Barometer’, compared the prices of meals, drinks and other tourist items, including coffee, beer and sunscreen, in eight destinations in European and Caribbean islands that are not on the United Kingdom government list that requires quarantine upon return from vacation, is the first of its kind compiled by Post Office Travel Money, which claims that island getaways are emerging as the 'most practical choice' for UK tourists in October, after Turkey was added to that list.
Among the 'sun islands' of Europe - with Madeira, Rhodes and Sicily being integrated for the first time in this type of studies, it was verified that the low cost of alcoholic beverages and soft drinks helped make Madeira the cheapest option.The Caribbean islands were more expensive than any of the European destinations. Although they remain conditioned to quarantine on the return of British tourists, Post Office Travel Money also evaluated three Canary Islands: Gran Canaria, Tenerife and Lanzarote, concluding that none of them can compare with the prices of Madeira.
According to the main results of the ´Satisfaction Surveys´,held by the Tourism Observatory (University of Madeira), the main events held in 2019, by the Regional Government, through the Regional Secretariat for Tourism and Culture, reveal a very high global satisfaction level regarding the Christmas and New Years celebrations and the Flower Festival, followed by the Carnival, the Atlantic Festival, the Wine Festival, the Columbus Festival and the Nature Festival, with a very steep recognition index.n most events, the main strategic emitting markets stand out, namely the United Kingdom, Germany, Portugal and France, with 54% of the respondents who were present at the Christmas and New Year’s Festival, having visited the destination for the second or more times. On the other hand, in the overall average, more than half of the respondents visited Madeira for the first time. It should also be noted that, on average, these tourists earn a monthly income of more than €3,300, stayed in the Region for more than a week and spent between €137 and € 353 per day/person.
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