Masses of Childbirth

Childbirth Masses are novenas that are celebrated in honour of Our Lady, at dawn usually between 6am and 7am, from December 16, and combine religious and fun aspects, with traditional music, food and regional drinks.

In fact, this celebration aims to highlight the nine months of pregnancy of the Virgin Mary and culminates with the Midnight Mass that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. The mass that takes place in all the parishes of the archipelago in the transition from night to day, symbolizes the fact that the baby Jesus is the light that comes into the world.

At the end of the Eucharist, there is plenty of animation in the churchyard, where the population gathers and food and drink is provided to the faithfull. This is one of the major Christmas religious traditions that take place in Madeira and Porto Santo.