Christmas is a time full of unique sights, sounds, and flavours. We gather with the family members to enjoy the magic moments of this event honoring the birth of Jesus, evolving into a worldwide religious and secular celebration. Madeira is one of the Portuguese regions where the celebration of Christmas is strongest. At the beginning of December, the Festival lasts until the 15th of January, on the occasion of the Santo Amaro celebrations. From ethnographic markets, concerts, and presentations by folklore groups, the childbirth masses, Market Night to New Year's Eve fireworks.
Come visit our safe place for Christmas and check all of our events, dates and times here.
(Photo: Marco Gomes)
But how did Christmas start?
The term Natal originates from the Latin word '' Natalis '' which, in turn, is derived from the verb to be born (nascor).
For Christians, this date marks the birth of Jesus. However, in ancient times, this date was uncertain, as no one knew when Jesus was born. Although some evidence suggests that his birth may have occurred in the Spring.
In fact, the Christmas story begins, at least 7,000 years before Jesus' birth. Everything started with old civilizations because they used to celebrate the winter solstice, the longest night of the year in the northern hemisphere, which takes place in late December. From that dawn onwards, the sun stays more in the sky, until the height of summer. It is the turning point of darkness for light: the “rebirth” of the Sun. From the 4th century, when Christianity became the official religion, the Festival of the sun began to change and the church officials decided to institute the birth of Jesus as a holiday, '' Associated with the sun god, Jesus took the form of the light that would bring salvation to humanity, ”says historian Pedro Paulo Funari. It is not possible to say for sure what the first Christian Christmas was like,
Madeira Christmas symbols and decorations
In Madeira, decorating the house for Christmas is a mandatory tradition. The '' crib, the lapinha '', the Christmas trees, the floral arrangements, and the decoration of the tables for family meals are habits deeply rooted in Madeiran culture.
Santa Claus
In Madeira is usually to see this character all over the place, decorating the houses inside and outside climbing the chimney up the stairs, and even at Avenida Arriaga street you can find, the biggest one, with at least 3meters high, who is in great demand for a special photo.
Origin
The Christian origin of Santa Claus dates back to a Christian bishop called St. Nicholas who lived in Asia Minor between the 3rd and 4th centuries, known for being extremely generous, having a life marked by works of charity, giving gifts to children and helping the poor, and they used to keep it in socks, originating the socks for presents. From there, in the 13th Century, the Dutch began to weave a narrative into this gift-giving, child-loving Saint of old.
This legend was brought to America by Dutch immigrants. In the 1930s, Coca-Cola took the story about Santa Claus and popularized it in its advertising pieces, making Santa Claus's fame spread throughout the world, consolidating his current form and colors.
Christmas trees
In the Madeiran houses, Christmas trees are also decorated with lights, balls to represent the fruits of the trees, ribbons, colorful and bright figures, and of course the star at the top of the tree. In the Praça do Povo, a tree 30 meters high is always set up and all the trees in Funchal are decorated with different light colors.
Origin
Before Christ, practically all pagan cultures and religions used ornaments on trees to celebrate the fertility of nature. Trees in antiquity were used by different peoples as decoration or as part of their religious rituals. Historians trace its origin back to the religious festival held by the Nordics on the winter solstice, as a way of celebrating life's victory over death. This tradition became popular in European culture and continued to be carried out even with the Christianization of Europe. It became very popular through the German and English people and ended up spreading around the world. Christmas Tree began to be more accepted in Portugal since before that time it was not very popular in cities and completely ignored in rural areas but it is now part of the Portuguese Christmas tradition.
Nativity scene
At the central sign of Avenida Arriaga, in Funchal, and all over the island, you can find countless nativity scenes, examples of the creativity, tradition, and devotion of the Madeirans. On the way to The Cathedral of Funchal is placed a beautiful traditional nativity scene, decorated with the most beautiful flowers on the island, decorated with traditional Madeiran embroidery. The traditional nativity scene in Madeira has two different variants: the “lapinha” or '' Escadinha '' and the “rochinha”. In general, they are both referred to as “lapinha” by the Madeirans.
'' Escadinha ''
(Photo: José Lemos Silva)
The '' Escadinha '', is usually placed on a table, decorated with a Madeira Embroidered tablecloth, flanked by vases of flowers, such as the Paphiopedilum the jonquils and the typical "searinhas" is made like a staircase with three steps, where an image of the Baby Jesus stands on the top of the stairs, normally dressed in Madeira Embroidery. On the steps, there are images of shepherds, fruits such as tangerines, walnuts, and chestnuts.
'' Rochinha ''
The '' Lapinha '' and '' Rochinha '' symbolizes the volcanic origin of the island and its cultural traditions. This decoration intended to simulate a cave, made of rocks and wood, in which some figures of the nativity scene are included, such as Our Lady, St. Joseph, the Baby Jesus, the cow, the donkey, the angels, the three wise men, the shepherds, and sheep. These figures are dressed in local Madeiran costumes, looking like a''mini-Madeira ''.
You can't miss these 4 nativity scenes:
- The Christmas Village in the village Curral das Freiras
- People's House of Jardim da Serra
- Largo da Restauração in the center of Funchal
- Lapinha do Galeão in Rua Escola Secundária do Galeão
Origin
On Christmas 1223, to facilitate the understanding of his preaching, Saint Francis of Assisi set up the first nativity scene, using clay and real animals. The practice ended up spreading throughout European Christianity over time. The nativity scene was introduced in Portugal, under the influence of the Franciscans, after the wedding of D. Dinis with Queen Santa Isabel.
Candles, Lights and bells
Both candles and other Christmas lights symbolize Jesus, who claimed to be “the light of the world” and the bells symbolize the birth of Jesus Christ.
Christmas light decorations in Funchal start on the 1st of December and has many different shapes, such as bells, presents, Christmas balls, angels, and stars.
The downtown streets of the city get full of colors in various ways, like pearl necklaces spread along the slopes. Take a walk in Funchal along the Avenida do Mar through the old town, the city center into the direction of the Lido area, or try the yellow bus tour to watch all Funchal lights. Also outside Funchal, there is more to see, the light chains go along the hillsides and from Pico dos Barcelos you can see the map of the street.
Origin
On the celebration of the winter solstice, they used to use candles to keep the divine presence alive. Many centuries later, with the advent of electricity, paraffin candles were first replaced by electric candles and later by small lamps that are abundant in the retail market at the end of the year.
Christmas Wreaths
The Christmas wreaths usually adorn the doors in Madeira, because people believe it represents peace, prosperity, and a new beginning.
In Madeira, these Wreaths are a circle of dry branches intertwined with leaves and flowers, or holly, pine cones, and Christmas balls that embellish it.
Origin
This was one of the most common adornments in pagan rituals performed on the winter solstice as we already know and the wreath was very important, to "welcome" the Gods that is why they put it on the doors. Thus, they were considered sacred, and therefore they were made with branches of pine, holly, ivy, or other trees and plants considered powerful, and it remains this way until nowadays.
Christmas Flowers
(Photo: Isabel Borges)
In Portugal, it is a Christmas custom to offer a Christmas flower to those who are most dear to us as a symbol of good luck. One of the most traditional flowers of Madeira's Christmas is '' Sapatinho '' (species of orchid), which blooms from December to January.
Christmas decorations, flowers, tables, in the living room, and all over the house cannot be missing. The "Red easter mornings" (Easter Mornings), as they are known in Madeira, the jonquil flower (like an Orchid), the holly, and the '' Alegra-Campo '' are the most typical flowers of the time.
(Photo: From Madeira To Mars)
Also, it is tradition to plant the '' searinhas '', which are sown wheat in small pots about 1 week before Christmas and decorate the nativity scenes, with the popular intention of obtaining the blessing of the Child for good harvests in the cultivation of the Madeira gardens. The '' searinhas '', which can also be bought in the market, for 1 €, people here use to say that it gives you luck and bread all year long.
Origin
The history of the Christmas flower is linked to the history of its country of origin, Mexico. In the 16th century, some missionary brothers who were on an evangelization mission in the country used it as a floral decoration for Christmas.
The custom of germinated seeds dates back to pre-Christianity, as in Egypt in the beds of Osiris and in Greece at the Festival in honor of Adonis. This tradition was implemented by Portuguese people, from ancient civilizations incorporated in Christianity.
Madeira embroidery and Advent Wreath
(Photo: Bordal da Madeira)
According to Madeiran traditions, on Christmas family gather and decorate the tables with '' Sapatinhos '' or '' Easter Mornings '', Madeira Embroidery or naperons with Christmas designs such as flowers and candles, and the advent wreath, a circle surrounded by green branches that supports four candles, symbolizing the wait for the Lord's coming. In the four weeks before Natal, the object is exposed in Catholic churches in prominent points to announce that Christmas is close.
To revive the embroidery tradition, Funchal Town Hall, does a partnership with Bordal, to take part in an exhibition display entitled "Christmas Tables with Madeira Embroidery" at the Teatro Municipal Baltazar Dias, starts on December 12 and ends on January 5.
Origin
The introduction of embroidery was due to the junction of religion with the Madeiran tradition, but the advent wreath originated in 1839 linked to Protestantism.
A pastor named Johann Wichern took care of a home to help needy children and they looked forward to Christmas, always asking if the festivities were close. And to count the days for the arrival of Christmas, the pastor made a wheel with candles for the days of Advent, the small ones to count the days of the week, and the big ones to symbolize Sunday.
Traditions and events
Traditions
Families dinner on 24th December and 25th lunch
"Love each other" is the Christmas motto of the dinner family.
(Photo: Teresa Santos)
In the beginning, it consisted of a light meal of fish but today it is traditionally composed of cooked cod, potatoes, eggs, and cabbages, or chicken soup is served(''Canja''), followed by pork seasoned in garlic and accompanied with bread(''Carne vinha d’alhos''). Some people say that many years ago Madeiran used to have breakfast with the ''Carne vinha d’alhos'' leftovers.
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For Christmas lunch, on the 25th, some people choose to eat the chicken soup and the famous ''cozido á Portuguesa'', but even in some regions of Madeira such as in Ponta do Sol they eat turkey. The meat and the fish are put on the table to symbolize the body of the son of God.
After dinner and lunch, we drink the famous liqueurs of Madeira and some traditional sweets, that families usually reunite to cook it together, such as:
Origin
The origin of the Christmas dinner dates back to times well before Jesus. Pagan peoples celebrated the date for being the winter solstice, once more, where they used to have banquets to commemorate that solstice among the citizens of the village and also as a way of giving gifts to loved ones. It was also an old European custom to leave the doors of the houses open on Christmas Day to receive travellers and pilgrims who fraternized with the host family. These customs have spread to different places in the world, with each region adding its own food peculiarity.
Watch the show in the Dallas circus and have fun in the Luna Park
Dallas Circus - 29th November-6th January/ Luna park 14th December-6th January
(Photo: Facebook Luna Park Cais 8)
The circus normally is located in Avenida do Mar and under the airport. Here you can watch jumping on a trampoline, numbers of clowns, animals tricks(horses, macaws, dogs, and parrots), transformism, trapeze, among others. Luna Park is an amusement place right next to the circus, with different attractions, especially ''The King''which is very known for adrenaline and many emotions. Nothing is missing here, it has attractions for all ages, such as the kangaroo, 360, trampolines, a small roller coaster, electric cars, a carousel for children, among others. And still under the airport also has an ice rink.
Go to Childbirth Masses (''Missa do Parto'')
16th-24th December
(Photo: Alfredo Rodrigues)
As it is a centuries-old practise the eve of the “Missa do Parto” devotion and traditional Madeiran culture today and is celebrated in all the parishes of Madeira, as a symbol of sharing and union with the local community.
It is one of the most remarkable events of Madeiran Christmas. From the 16th to the 24th of December, 9 childbirth masses are celebrated, representing the 9 months of the Virgin Mary's gestation. These masses take place at dawn and are accompanied by songs of devotion and praise to the Virgin of childbirth. Actually, there is a parish in Funchal named, Santo António, that people use to take sheep to the church to represent Jesus as it's in the picture below.
(Photo: Alfredo Rodrigues)
After the mass, people gather in churchyards singing Christmas carols, joined by traditional music groups, playing the accordions, and castanets. This very lively occasion invites people to enjoy the typical "despique'' (rivalry songs), and also to taste some of the local homemade Christmas treats, such as the honey biscuits "broas" and cakes, in addition to the typical liquors.
Go to ''Missa do Galo’’ on 25th December
(Photo: Jornal da Madeira)
Every church on the island celebrates ''Missa do Galo'', or Rooster’s Mass, to announce the birth of Jesus, and each one of them is decorated with the flowers on the altar, such as orchids and anthuriums and the ''lapinha'' with the Baby Jesus lying on the straws. The Rooster Mass is celebrated on December 24 at midnight to renovate the vows of hope and peace are renewed, with the birth of the Child Jesus. Even the bishop of Madeira gives mass at the Funchal cathedral.
Exchange of gifts on 25th
Christmas gifts are something with a short history but of great importance and meaning for humanity these days. In Madeira, we offer to our loved ones something to represent our care for them, from clothes to chocolates or even typical Christmas flowers.
Origin
The three wise men (the magi) gave gifts to Jesus and from this scene of the Gospel comes the motivation to give gifts at the time of Christmas. Another belief would be Bishop Nicholas (who originated Santa Claus) used to give gifts for underprivileged children on Christmas Eve, and tossed bags of coins through the chimneys of the houses.
Events that families use to go
Christmas music with bands and ''Bailinho''
1frst December-6th January
Central Plate of Avenida Arriaga in Funchal has a lot of entertainment with choirs, philharmonic bands, ''Bailinho'', and folklore groups parading through the streets. Through this festive season goes numeral groups to play such as Folklore Group from Santo António Cultural Centre, Madeira Chamber Choir, Clarinet Ensemble, among others you can check here.
Christmas Market at Placa Central
1srt December- 7th -January
European Best Destinations announced our Madeira Christmas Market as one of the best.
The Christmas markets in Madeira are special. Not only for the beauty of the flowers they offer, such as the famous ''sapatinhos'', but also because families normally gather at this event, and enjoy the to watch the illumination of Funchal, and to see all the nativity scenes along Avenida Arriaga.
This market is known for the diversity of foods and traditional drinks in ‘’Barracas’’, which is small houses made of wood, and the environment in which they live with Christmas songs all over the streets.
There are ''Barracas'' with traditional food:
And ''Barracas'' with traditional drinks:
The Ethnographic Village
Is located in Largo da Restauração, and presents live examples of local traditions, crafts, food, folklore, and two traditional nativity scenes with:
- Objects made of wickers such as baskets and chairs
- Representation of old bedrooms and Christianity devotion in Madeira and a lady sewing wool clothes
- The old way of how to do our traditional boots and caps
- An old woof-fire oven to do Bolo do Caco
- Accessories with Madeiran colours and symbols like purses
- And still, space to buy some souvenirs such as Madeiran caps and ''Brinquinho''.
Children's Christmas Village
6th December- 6th January
Funchal City in this season creates a children's entertainment space at Municipal Garden with some decorations such as a long wooden Christmas train, charming little houses, Santa’s sleigh, and many traditional games. The entertainment includes decorating a Christmas tree, face painting, and balloon modelling.
Market night
23rd December
This is an all-night festive party where people buy their final Christmas gifts and for festive food. This party is located in Mercado dos Lavradores with ''barracas'', serving traditional food and drinks and with live music and folklore group performances.
The streets get full of people, great animation that goes on into the night, happiness, Christmas pine trees, flowers to decorate the houses, and all the necessary goods for the celebrations of this season.
Nativity Scene contest
Nativity Scene in Santana
This event aims at the construction of the traditional Madeiran nativity scene, intended to revive the symbolism of an undeniable expression of popular culture. These contests are held by Madeira municipalities and their respective parish, everyone from each parish can participate and the best one gets an award, and you can visit all of those nativity scenes.