The whole show is a fusion of the traditional Madeiran festivity of masks and costumes, with the carnival influences of Brazil and its most popular rhythm: samba. Throughout the period, Funchal offers street revelry with music shows and an intense and hectic schedule for visitors.
On Friday (9) happens the parade of the children of different schools of Funchal, who use masks made by themselves. Also on this day, the energy of hundreds of revelers of the Association of Community Development of Funchal contagious the public by the Avenue Arriaga until the Municipal Garden, where a great spectacle is realized. There is still a party where men fantasize about women and vice versa.
On Saturday night (10), the main attraction of the Madeira Carnival is the parade of floats, which gathers thousands of revelers on Avenida do Mar and the Madeiran Communities. Among multicolored vehicles, costumed dancers and dancers do choreographies previously rehearsed and dance to infectious rhythms.
It is on Monday of Carnival that the “Night of the Hippies” is celebrated, which invites the participants to dress up in costumes and masks alluding to the theme.
Born on Rua da Carreira, the Trapalhão Court is now held at Avenida do Mar on Tuesday, and remembers the blocks of street promoted in Brazil. Animated participants use fantasies of different characters and with creativity without limits. Anyone can attend and it is common to see groups of friends among the crowd. In addition, for those who want to spend the night in the party, some nightclubs and hotels also promote themed parties to entertain visitors and residents of this small Portuguese paradise.
About Madeira Island
Considered the best island destination in the world, Madeira Island is a small Portuguese paradise nestled amidst the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean. Of volcanic origin, its privileged location provides mild climate and sea with pleasant temperature all year long, as well as impressive scenery of mountains, valleys and cliffs, all covered by the lush vegetation Laurissilva, named Unesco’s Natural Patrimony of Humanity. The archipelago is formed by a group of islands, being the main and only inhabited Madeira and Porto Santo. There are excellent options in spas, historical monuments and great hotels and restaurants, where you can taste delicious gastronomy and award-winning Madeiran wines.
Photos: Madeira Tourism