CHRISTMAS FESTIVALS AND END OF THE YEAR OF THE MADEIRA

CHRISTMAS FESTIVALS AND END OF THE YEAR OF THE MADEIRA

It is with the inauguration of the decorative illuminations in the streets of downtown Funchal, during the month of December, that the program of the Christmas and New Year Festivities of Madeira begins. These celebrations culminate in the famous fireworks show, officially recognized by the Guinness Book of Records in 2006 as the greatest spectacle in the world. These celebrations are part of a rich and extensive program of cultural, religious, ethnographic and artistic events that cover the entire month of December and ends on 8 January. Find out more about what to expect at the Christmas and New Year holidays in Madeira: December 23rd The Market Night is held on December 23rd, when Madeiran people make the last Christmas purchases and it is in this bustle that the spirit of the "Festa", a designation conferred by Madeiran people to Christmas, is best felt. The inhabitants move to the Farmers Market where the surrounding streets, which are closed to traffic, are occupied by several outlets open all night. These offer various regional products such as flowers, shrubs, fruits, vegetables, sweets, meat-wine-and-garlic sandwiches and typical drinks, such as the poncha. At nightfall there is the biggest attraction of the day, a spectacle of traditional Christmas songs where locals take on the role of true artists. Also the participation of music bands and folkloric ranches help to maintain the atmosphere of celebration and of much animation until dawn. December 28th Organized by the Madeira Athletics Association, the Tour of the City of Funchal is one of the oldest sporting events of its kind in Portugal and Europe. This competition, which attracted numerous national and international athletes to the region, fills the capital Madeiran with a lot of adrenaline and excitement. Day December 31 The fireworks display lasts about eight minutes and is distributed by several fire stations located in the amphitheater of Funchal, on the seafront and downtown, on the sea and a post on the island of Porto Santo. This grand spectacle, one of Madeira's most important events, was internationally recognized by the Guinness Book of Records in 2006 as "The World's Greatest Firework Display." From January 5th to 6th, the Kings are singing in neighbors' houses, and in many places. It is in this spirit that the Association of Houses of the People of the Autonomous Region of Madeira organizes and produces the musical performance "Sing the Kings" in the auditorium of the Municipal Garden of Funchal, seeking to recreate the popular tradition of the traditional Madeiran songs that were sung door-to-door on this day in various locations throughout the Autonomous Region of Madeira. This musical performance marks the end of the New Year festivities. "Childbirth Masses" Christmas begins with the "Masses of Childbirth" in December.