All over the world, Christmas is celebrated in different ways and each country puts its own unique mark on the festivities to celebrate, especially subtropical Madeira.
By day Madeira offers perfect sunshine and warm weather and by night the magnificent Christmas lights ignite the skies of Funchal plus an impressive fireworks show on New Year’s Eve. What more could you want to celebrate this wonderful time of year?
“A Festa” – Christmas
Madeira has a whole calendar of activities throughout December making the island one of the best places to experience the ambience of this special time of year.
Beginning in December, the holiday season known on the island as “A Festa” begins with music and dazzling lights. As the name suggests, it’s a party! On Santo Amaro’s Day, after all the decorations are taken away and families consume the last of the Christmas cakes, the celebration doesn’t end until the 15th of January with the “Sweeping of the Cupboards.”
The streets of the capital are magically illuminated on December 1st when Funchal’s lights are turned on. Smaller streets, squares, and homes adopt the same style, sparkling with lit ornamentation.
You’ll be astounded by the innovation on display; Funchal’s streets are a striking and immersive spectacle that invites both tourists and locals to stroll through the sculptural light installations, through sparkling tunnels, and into enormous Christmas trees.
Real trees are lit up, holiday landscapes and items shine, and both kids and adults will be delighted.
The fireworks display that marks the start of the new year takes place at midnight on December 31 as the capital’s light extravaganza comes to a close.
Lapinha – Nativity Scenes
In Madeira, elaborate nativity scenes are frequently displayed in houses and public spaces in addition to elaborate lighting displays. This is a Christmas tradition that Madeirans have modified in their own special style and are recognised for, known as “Lapinha.”
The people of Madeira decorate each home, chapel, and public space with decorations that not only recreate the nativity scene but also pay honour to the island’s past.
A village may be depicted in some Madeiran nativity scenes, replete with shepherds, fishermen, embroiderers, tinkerers, washerwomen, and even levadeiros (men who look after the levadas, those distinctive irrigations channels, specific to the island).
While some nativity scenes embellish the typical tableau with Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus with fruit, pots loaded with wheat and barley, nuts, ferns, local flowers, and even wine, which in the UK we would more readily identify with a harvest celebration.
They serve as modest altars to commemorate the abundance of the land and the attachment that Madeirans have to nature and the land that provides them with sustenance. Whatever perspective you take, island culture is honoured alongside the celebration of Jesus’ birth.
Madeira’s Festive Food – One for the Foodies
Foodies should definitely take a visit to Madeira during the Christmas period as food plays a key part in the island festivities. Whilst wandering the streets at this time of year you will find the delicious aroma of ‘vinha d’alhos’ filling the air.
When family and friends get together for meals in December, this traditional dish of pork marinated in garlic and wine is a classic. If you’re visiting the island during the festive period, make sure to sample this dish since it’s typically offered then.
During the countdown of Christmas day on the 8th of December families of Madeira unite to make another traditional delicacy called ‘bolos de mel’. This is perfect for people visiting Madeira with a sweet tooth as bolos de mel is a delicious sweet treat encompassing a cane honey cake considered to be Madeira’s oldest dessert.
The first bolos de mel was created by nuns in the Covent of Santa Clara in the 15th century therefore over time personal touches have been handed down through generations when it comes to preparing and baking these delightful cakes. Therefore each family has their own unique way of making these.
What does the Cake consist of?
Nuts and crystallized fruits from South America and Africa unite with Eastern spices, all blended together with Madeiran cane honey to make this tasty dessert. Many bakeries produce bolos de mel, but if you are visiting Madeira over the festive period, why not plan a trip to a local or dedicated Christmas market to pick up one or two to take home?
Christmas Markets
Funchal hosts its annual “Market Night” on December 23. Locals browse for fresh fruit and flowers at the farmers’ market in preparation for Christmas. Fruit, the day’s catch, and flowers like poinsettias or Sapatinho orchids are all over the market stalls.
There is a genuine sense of community as carols are sung, and everyone is welcome to join in and stalls are lit up.
The vast and fertile fields of Madagascar produce exquisite fruits and vegetables, which are typically sold in village squares at the end of the week, making visiting the markets there a genuine delight at any time of year.
On weekdays during A Festa, you can also visit the antique and artisanal market booths to buy pastries, handicrafts, and visit the kiosks of urban designers selling clothing and accessories, which make wonderful gifts and souvenirs.
Other Tourist Activities in Madeira
Don’t overlook the amazing experiences and activities the island has to offer aside from the Christmas pleasure. There are lots to discover between the busy party schedule of December, from its breathtaking verdant landscapes, which are a hiker’s delight, to its beautiful beaches, which are ideal for relaxing in the sun, engaging in water sports, or joining a whale or dolphin watching excursion.
The Madeira Cable Car and the Botanical Garden Cable Car are the two options to experience breathtaking views of the entire island from. You’ll see lots of amazing parts of the island on these stunning cable car rides, whether it be the verdant hills and Laurissilva woodland, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or the mountains in Monte and a 360-degree view of Funchal from the Madeira Cable Car.
Take a visit to Santa’s triangle-shaped homes, or if you’re looking for something more adventurous try basket sledging, or try wine tasting at a local vineyard.
Cruises docked in Madeira over Christmas & New Years Eve
P&O Cruises Azura visits Madeira on the 26th of December 2023 for a day visit during its 7 and 14-day Canary Islands cruise. You can choose to explore the island by yourself or do one of P&O Cruises’ many shore excursions including some Christmas specials.
Cunard Cruise Lines’ Queen Victoria is visiting Madeira on New Year’s Eve and will be staying here overnight during its 15-night Christmas & New Year voyage. Make it a New Year’s Eve to remember by spending it in Funchal.
Fred Olsen Cruise Line will have their ship Borealis in port on New Year’s Eve during its 14-day Christmas in Canaries cruise. What better way to spend your New Year’s Eve than watching the famous fireworks display in Funchal as you won’t be leaving here until late evening.
