Current & Seasonal Events in Madeira
Happening now/ December 2024
Madeira is famous for its Christmas markets, especially the one in Funchal! But other towns are lit up with the festivities as well and are worth visiting- for example Christmas market at Praia da Calheta... a lot smaller than Funchal...but Calheta by night is magnificent.. . You will find Christmas markets all over the island from 1st of December to 8th of January.
Christmas market at Funchal harbor promenade at night : carousels, hot chestnuts and Christmas stands in front of the port, where you can see the biggest ocean liners passing through (starting in mid-November). Best to leave your car at CR7 Museum.
Click here for the official Madeira Christmas & New Year's festivities program 1st December 2024- 7th January 2025 (https://eventsmadeira.com/en/event/christmas-and-newyears-eve-festivities/)
-Night at the Market, between December 9th to 23rd, Christmas traditions in Madeira showcased in different locations throughout the island on different dates: https://eventsmadeira.com/en/event/christmas-traditional-nights/
The most well-known is the market night at the Farmers' Market in Funchal on the 23rd of December. Many locals come from all parts of the island to do their Christmas shopping at the market stalls – selling fruit, vegetables, mistletoe and wheat pots among other Christmas treats. The highlight of the evening is the carol singing in the fish market square. It all ends in the early hours of the morning, sharing the best stories of the year and old acquaintances with homemade liquors and traditional sandwiches of “carne de vinha d'alhos” (pork cubes in wine and garlic).
- Madeira mandolin orchestra concerts weekly: https://eventsmadeira.com/en/event/mandolin-orchestra-weekly-concerts/
- local bands and djs at Barreirinha bar café in Funchal old town: https://www.instagram.com /barreirinhabarcafe/
- Jazz sessions on Fridays from 20:30 at the Madeira Museum of Photography - Atelier Vicente's. The museum itself is an interesting experience - based on a nineteenth-century photography studio, which has gone through four generations of the same family.
- check all official carnivals, parades, thematic festivals, and events in gastronomy, sports, music and arts: https://visitmadeira.com/en/whats-on/
In January:
The 9th edition of the Poncha (regional drink) and Honey Festival, 24 to 26 January, Ribeira Brava: https://eventsmadeira.com/en/event/xi-poncha-and-honey-festival/
This festival honors the famous regional drink and the products needed to make it, such as honey, while at the same time boosting the parish's economy.
As well as the exhibition, the event includes various technical talks aimed at farmers and beekeepers. There will also be musical entertainment on these days, with various regional groups and artists performing.
Seasonal Events & Festivals
-Madeira's Carnival and parade at Funchal harbor promenade (and other locations around the island), from February 26th to March 9th, 2025: https://visitmadeira.com/en/whats-on/events/carnival/
-Madeira Flower Festival, from May 1st to 25th 2025: https://visitmadeira.com/en/whats-on/events/flower-festival/
On an island blessed by Nature, Flowers deserve more than an ode. In Madeira, the month of May is entirely dedicated to the beauty and fragrance of flowers. Don't miss any opportunity to witness the beautiful tribute paid by the Madeirans to this natural entity, with parades, dances and concerts.
-Atlantic Festival, from June, 6th to 29th 2025: https://visitmadeira.com/en/whats-on/events/atlantic-festival/
Welcoming summer with joy- t aking place throughout the month of June, the Atlantic Festival brings to Madeira several cultural initiatives that take place in various parts of the island and also in the island of Porto Santo.
-Medieval festival, June 6th to 8th, Machico (east of the island): https://eventsmadeira.com/en/event/sixteenth-century-market/
The 16th-century Market & festival is an event that evokes the historical period of the discovery of the island, which has gained a prominent cultural status, and offers a number of cultural and musical activities.