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Madeira Festivals and Events: A Month-by-Month Guide

Madeira Festivals and Events: A Month-by-Month Guide

Madeira's festivals month by month: Carnival, the Flower Festival, the Atlantic Festival fireworks, the Wine Festival and more.

MP
Mariana Pavão

January 30, 2020 • 3 min read

Madeira Festivals and Events: A Month-by-Month Guide

Madeira's festivals and events, in short

Quick answer: Madeira has a festival almost every season. The big ones are Carnival (February), the Flower Festival (spring), the Atlantic Festival with its fireworks competition (June), the Wine Festival and the Columbus Festival on Porto Santo (September), the Nature Festival (October), and the famous Christmas lights and New Year's Eve fireworks in Funchal. Exact dates change each year, so check the current calendar before you book. 

Madeira's festival calendar, month by month

February: Carnival

Madeira's Carnival fills Funchal with samba, music, colour and costumes in the weeks before Lent. The main allegorical parade is the highlight, along with a more playful "slapstick" parade, and the city stays lively late into the night.

 

A performer wearing an elaborate feathered costume with a lion headdress takes part in the Madeira Carnival parade in Funchal, Portugal. Other dancers in coordinated costumes appear in the background during the nighttime celebration.
Experience the thrill and excitement of Carnaval on Madeira Island

Spring (usually April or May): Flower Festival

The Festa da Flor is one of Madeira's signature events, celebrating the island's spring blooms. Funchal's streets are laid with intricate flower carpets, and the "Wall of Hope" sees children place flowers on a wall to symbolise peace, followed by a big flower parade. The date shifts with Easter, so confirm the year's dates.

 

Young performers wear pastel dresses decorated with flowers during the Madeira Flower Festival parade in Funchal, Portugal. They carry floral arrangements in front of a large flower-covered float during the annual celebration.
Experience a blooming paradise with the Flower Festival on Madeira Island

June: Atlantic Festival

The Festival do Atlântico opens the summer with classical music concerts and, its best-known feature, an international fireworks competition lit over Funchal bay on Saturday nights, along with street entertainment across the city.

 

Colorful fireworks illuminate the night sky above the Funchal waterfront during the Atlantic Festival in Madeira, Portugal. Crowds gather along Avenida do Mar as coordinated bursts and light effects fill the harbor area.
Get ready to immerse yourself in a sea of culture and entertainment at the Atlantic Festival in Madeira Island

September: Wine Festival

The Festa do Vinho celebrates the grape harvest of Madeira's world-famous wine, with tastings, live music and traditional grape treading, centred on Funchal and the wine village of Estreito de Câmara de Lobos.

 

A woman harvests a bunch of white grapes during the Madeira Wine Festival in Madeira, Portugal. The close-up view shows traditional grape picking among green vineyard leaves.
Indulge in the finest flavors at the Wine Festival on Madeira Island

September: Columbus Festival (Porto Santo)

Held on the neighbouring island of Porto Santo, where Christopher Columbus once lived, this festival recreates the Age of Discoveries with street theatre, costumed parades and period markets.

 

Performers in Renaissance-style costumes take part in a staged sword fight during the Columbus Festival in Vila Baleira, Porto Santo, Portugal. Spectators surround the sandy performance area during this annual historical reenactment.
Step back in time and discover the rich history of Madeira Island in the Columbus Festival

October: Nature Festival

The Madeira Nature Festival is built around the island's outdoors, with a programme of hikes, levada walks, paragliding, canyoning, sailing and other activities that showcase Madeira as a nature destination.

 

Hikers follow a narrow mountain trail near Pico do Arieiro in Madeira, Portugal, surrounded by rugged volcanic peaks and low clouds. The route crosses steep ridges within the island’s central mountain range.
Get ready to immerse yourself in the beauty of Madeira Island's lush landscapes and breathtaking vistas at the annual Nature Festival

December and January: Christmas and New Year

Funchal's Christmas lights, markets and concerts run through December, building to one of the world's biggest New Year's Eve firework displays over the bay. For the full festive picture, see our guide to Madeira in December.

 

A large illuminated Christmas tree stands on the Funchal waterfront in Madeira, Portugal, surrounded by visitors and festive light decorations. The nighttime scene captures the city’s Christmas and New Year celebrations near Avenida do Mar.
From enchanting lights to festive traditions, Madeira Island comes alive during Christmas and New Year's Eve

Looking for events on specific dates?

Because dates and one-off events change every year, the best source for what is on during your trip is the island's official tourism calendar. Use the festivals above to plan the season, then check the current listings closer to your travel dates.

Frequently asked questions about Madeira's festivals

What festivals are there in Madeira?
When is the Madeira Flower Festival?
What is the Atlantic Festival in Madeira?
When is the Madeira Wine Festival?
Are Madeira's New Year's Eve fireworks famous?

Plan Your Trip Around a Madeira Festival

Festival weeks book out early. Let Portugal Getaways line up your hotel, flights and transfers around the Flower Festival, the Atlantic Festival or New Year, with all-in pricing and no surprises.

See Madeira Trips Build a Custom Trip
 

Keep reading

CHRISTMAS & NYE
Madeira in December