It is at this time that the Madeira Archipelago is filled with light and color to celebrate the traditions of the end of the year. Already in the first days of December, you can see the decorative pieces and illuminations, as well as food and drink stalls and lots of animation in the main streets and squares of Funchal, details that mark the opening of the Christmas and New Year programs. The schedule is filled with cultural, religious, ethnic and artistic activities and events that follow throughout the month.

For Christmas, the capital of Madeira Island becomes a real crib of real proportions and the decoration alluding to the birth of Jesus can be seen throughout its territory. There are daily concerts of music, with the performances of the philharmonic bands and the folk groups of Madeira, and the local churches promote special masses called Masses of Childbirth.

It is still in the Christmas festivities that the best of Madeiran gastronomy is tasted. Sweets and delicacies are produced just as tradition dictates, as is the case with honey cake. The traditional delicacy takes cane, cider and walnut honey in its recipe and is specially prepared on December 8th, Our Lady of Conception. Other delicacies such as broas, homemade liqueurs and the meat of vine of garlic – famous dish of the Madeiran cuisine based on pork and white wine – are part of the Christmas menu.

On the 23rd of December one of the biggest parties takes place: Market Night, in the Farmers Market, one of the main shopping centers of the city. With lots of music, dancing, food and drinks typical, Madeiran and tourists enjoy to make the last Christmas shopping.

After Christmas, the animation focuses on the turn of the year. Officially recognized by the Guinness Book of Records in 2006 as the largest in the world, the fireworks display on New Year’s Eve on Madeira Island attracts many travelers, including cruisers who arrive in Funchal especially for this show. With the midnight motions of December 31, the whistles of the cruise ships sound and the sky lights up with a spectacle that lasts for eight minutes, decorating the arrival of the new cycle.

The closing of the celebrations takes place with the celebrations of the Day of Kings, on January 6, when the residents of the island take advantage of the last days of Christmas lighting and go to the streets, door to door, to sing the popular Madeiran songs, a ancient local tradition.