February Highligts in Madeira

No matter which month of the year you choose to visit Madeira, there’s always something wonderful to see and do. See below Madeira’s pick of February highlights,

or search the agenda and here for even more events.

Carnival Festivities

February 7th to 18th Carnival is one of Madeira Islands main tourist events. See the programme here!

“Compadres” Festivity| Santana
February, 1st,3rd,4th to 8th

This Festivity sets the beginning of Carnival season in Madeira. “Compadres” Festivity is a tradition with more than 50 years, well known for its originality. The festival consists basically of a fun public judgment demonstration of the Compadres (Godfathers) and the Comadres (Godmothers), accused of many infidelities and other sins, ending up being burnt publicly in a grand ritual and effusive occasion.

Program

Thursday, 1st – Thursday of the Godmother
12:00 – Fire launch festivities
15:00 – Exhibition “Small Godmothers and Godfathers” – Santana Civic Center
19:30 – Thursday of the Godmothers – Town Hall

Saturday, 3rd
21:00 – Performance by 4 liter
22:30 – Performance by Juvencio Luyiz

Sunday, 4th
11:00 – Songs of the Arco-da-velha Radio Festival (tent next to theCMS)
14:00 – Courthouse Folião – streets of Santana
14:30 – Ethnographic Courts – streets of Santana
16:00 – Judgment: Godfathers Settlement & Burning of both Godmother and Godfather

Thursday, 8th – Thursday of the Godfathers
12:00 – Launch of fire
19:30 – Thursday of the Godfathers – Town Hall

Evening Parade | Funchal
Saturday, 10th

Hundreds of participants from several groups will be involved in a unique and colourful parade which brings colour and joy to the city centre main streets. This year Carnival inspiration is under the theme “Madeira – 6 centuries of joy” and will remind you of “Rio Carnival”.

Curiosity: Did you know that the traditions of Madeiran Carnival may have influenced the Brazilian Carnival? In the 16 th century, Madeira’s emigrants implanted the sugar industry in Brazil, also known as “white gold”. They also carried customs and traditions, which may have contributed to the Carnival festivities in this country. Click to Read More…

Slapstick Parade | Funchal
Tuesday 13th

On the following Tuesday, takes place this popular parade, where humour and social satire are the main ingredients. The most creative participants will receive a prize.

Exhibitions

Regional Custard Apple Exhibition | Faial, Santana
Saturday and Sunday, 24th and 25th

The annual Regional Custard Apple Exhibition aims to support the production of this fruit and its derivatives, such as liqueurs, puddings, ice cream and milkshakes, with a lot of entertainment, music and contests.

Concerts

Madeira Mandolins Orchestra|Casino of Madeira Centre for Congresses | 9:00pm
Artistic direction: André Martins
Friday, 9th Carnival Special Concert
Saturday, 17th Celebrating the 105th anniversary of Recreio Musical União da Mocidade…………………………………………….. Wednesday, 21st and 28th

The Gift Rock Band|Municipal Theatre Baltazar Dias
Monday and Tuesday, 19th and 20th| 9:00pm 15€

The Gift won in 2005 the MTV Europe Award.