Carnival

In Madeira, Carnival is celebrated from the North to the South. It is a unique attraction that is celebrated by all the social classes and its originality attracts thousands of tourists every year.

It's a week of intense revelry, with themed parties that fill night clubs and animate hotels as well as Carnival classes that proliferate all over the island.

The celebrations culminate on Saturday with the great parade of floats that fill the streets of Funchal with thousands of marchers and dancers, divided into troupes that compete among themselves for originality and beauty. They feature unique and amazing costumes and catchy choreography.

On Carnival Tuesday, a second smaller parade known as Trapalhão animates the city. This parade can be a showcase of creativity by participants from across the island, giving them the opportunity to freely express themselves through satire and disguise. Many take this opportunity to express political messages criticizing the national and regional government.

Around this time, Funchal becomes a stage for several musical bands that roam throughout the city, entertaining passersby. In the cafes, the windows are filled with the traditional sweets of the season, such as the Sonhos pastries and the Malasadas, which are served with local molasses, making the celebration of Carnival unmissable.