Madeirans celebrate many festivals throughout the year, some primarily organised for tourists, others deeply rooted in religion and folklore. Many of the celebrations are the feast days of saints.
6 January Festa dos Reis/Cantar os Reis (Singing of the Kings) : Funchal and elsewhere. Three Kings Festival and close of Christmas festivities.
20 January São Sebastião celebrated in Caniçal, Câmara de Lobos.
February The Festival of Wine, Embroidery & Handicrafts in Funchal celebrates Madeira’s unique crafts and wine-making traditions.
February/March Carnaval : huge festival in Funchal, culminating in a colourful procession on the Saturday before Shrove Tuesday (for more information, click here ).
May Festa da Flôr : Funchal Flower Festival and Ceremony of the Wall of Hope (for more information, click here ).
June Atlantic Festival : musical performances at weekends in Funchal’s Teatro Municipal and other venues, and firework displays over the harbour.
23–24 June São João da Ribeira (Feast of St John) celebrated in Funchal, São João, Câmara de Lobos, Ponta do Sol and elsewhere.
29 June São Pedro (St Peter), patron saint of fishermen: bonfires and boat procession at Ribeira Brava, Ponta do Pargo and Cãmara de Lobos.
1 July Dia da Madeira (Madeira Day). The islands celebrate their political autonomy. Many events in Funchal and across Madeira.
2 July ‘Rediscovery of Madeira’ and the first landing of Portuguese sailors in 1420, celebrated in Machico.
Mid-July Festa da Cereja (Cherry Festival) in Jardim da Serra, Câmara de Lobos. A weekend of sport, cultural and leisure activities that celebrate the cherry harvest. Funchal Jazz Festival with top national and international musicians.
Late July 24 Horas a Bailar : 24-hour folk-dance marathon, Santana.
15 August Festival of Nossa Senhora do Monte (Our Lady of Monte). Pilgrims flock to Monte from all around the island, some climb the steps to the church on their knees.
September Madeira Wine Festival: grape harvesting in Estreito de Câmara de Lobos, with shows and exhibitions here and in Funchal.
8–9 September Festa do Senhor dos Milagres : nocturnal procession in Machico honouring the Lord of Miracles.
Mid-September Columbus Festival in Porto Santo. Music concerts and street parades celebrate the great navigator.
September (third week) Festa de Nossa Senhora da Piedade in Caniçal.
October Madeira Nature Festival. Adventure and cultural activities for all ages. Madeira Organ Festival – a 10-day musical feast held in the island’s most beautiful churches.
1 November Festa da Castanha : Chestnut Festival in Curral das Freiras. Funchal International Film Festival: a week-long event held in the Teatro Municipal.
December Christmas illuminations in Funchal, exhibitions at weekends, culminating in a big party and firework display on New Year’s Eve.