What’s on in April?

Happy Easter everyone!

It’s April and spring and with it comes the amazing Flower Festival that everyone should experience at least once in their life.

Come to Madeira and take time to stop and see floral displays and the amazing festival parades.

Enjoy the warm, sunny weather, sit in one of the city’s esplanades, take a walk around Funchal’s fabulous parks and gardens. Or, if you’re brave enough, take part in the MIUT Madeira Island Ultra Trail.

There’s a whole load of other happenings to get involved in this month. Be inspired by our events, festivals & concerts or download a free copy of the April Cultural Planner.

Here are our April 2018 highlights to get you started:

Flower Festival | Funchal
April 19th to May, 13th
This year, the Flower Festival will be a tribute to the 600th anniversary of the Discovery of Madeira and Porto Santo Islands.
The festivities begin on Thursday, April 19th, with the opening of the Flower Market in the Central Square of Avenida Arriaga, and the Flower Exhibition at Praça do Povo. You will be able to enjoy other entertainment activities such as concerts and the construction of the floral carpets.
On Saturday morning, April 21st, go to Praça do Municipio for the Children’s Parade to see hundreds of children carrying a flower to be placed in a mural known as the “Wall of Hope” followed by a show that culminates with the releasing of doves.
On the following day, Sunday, April 22nd, is held the Grand Flower Parade on which hundreds of participants and flower-themed floats make their way through the city streets to the sound of music. It is free, but follow my advice and buy a ticket for a seat (around 30 euros). You won’t regreat the money! The parade starts at Praça da Autonomia in Avenida do Mar e das Comunidades Madeirenses and finishes in the roundabout of the Port of Funchal.
On the next Sunday, April, 29th, is held the “Madeira Auto Parade” which is one of the largest exhibitions in Portugal of classic vehicles and motorcycles, but combined with the flowers of Madeira. The itinerary is similar to the main flower float parade but at the end, the participating automobiles will be placed in display.
For more detailed information go to: Flower Festival or download the full PDF PROGRAMME HERE, also available in: Portuguese/ Deutch/ French/ Spanish

Chapels under the Moonlight
April, 19th and 26th
Access to our heritage taking part of a guided tour in one of the chapels in Madeira Island and enjoy a classical music performance.

MIUT – Madeira Islands Ultra Trail | SANTANA
April 25th to 29th
If you feel you’re in good shape, take part in this unique experience. The Trail Running competition involves four races: the MIUT115, Ultra85, Marathon43 and Mini16 in a very challenging circuit with a total extension of about 115 km. It starts in Porto Moniz on the west and finishes in Machico on the east of Madeira, passaging through the central massif area – Encumeada (1007 m) – Ruivo Peak (1861 m) – Arieiro Peak (1818 m).
During this competition participants face several challenges involving unexpected temperature and visibility variations, crossing mountainous terrains, conditions which entail some experience and physical skills.
For further information go to http://madeiraultratrail.com

Lemon Festival | Ilha, Santana
April, 28th and 29th
The Lemon festival is a tribute to one of the northern main agricultural produces and gathers the locals who present their gastronomic delicacies in a lively ambience.