This year, the Carnival theme presented is “Madeira 600 Anos à Descoberta da Folia” which means 600 years of searching for happiness. It will be the biggest Carnival that Madeira has ever seen, counting with a total of 1900 people participating in the Carnival night parade.

As usual, the festivities start with one of the most emblematic parades that takes place in Santana, Festa dos Compadre, a tradition with more than 50 years is an event known for its originality, marked by its amusing giant figures that have the main purpose of satirizing social issues in a parade full of humour, colour and joy.

The carnival festivities in the northeast side of the island are to be held on 21, 23, 24 and 28 February.

How to get there: Bus or Taxi

Bus: 56/103/133/138 – Station from funchal – By the cable car

Link: http://www.horariosdofunchal.pt/carreiras/santana.pdf

On 2^nd of March, the colourful and lively allegorical procession takes thousands of tourists and residents to the center of Funchal to watch the parade. This is the main attraction of the Madeira Carnival Festivities.

There are more than a thousand revellers in showy costumes, and a dozen stunningly decorated floats.

The colours, music, costumes and joy are contagious. The Troupes present their choreographies that have been rehearsed throughout the year, spreading joy and wonder among the public.

This year will have 14 troupes and a total of 1900 people participating, from young age until over 60 years old. This event takes place in Avenida do Mar at 20h00 p.m., for the first time, starting 2h before the usual time.

The “Trapalhão” Parade, held on Carnival Tuesday (5^th of March), represents the procession that was previously made, spontaneously, in Rua da Carreira. Participation is open to all, national and foreign, and can be done individually or in a group. The creativity of the participants has no limits and ranges from social and political satire to traditional frameworks, to the simple disguise of characterization. Whether you attend or participate in this procession, you will undoubtedly share moments of good humour and interaction with the public.

Street Animation - February 26 to March 10

Starting on the Wednesday before Carnival, downtown Funchal, especially the center of Avenida Arriaga, is made contagious by the magic of carnival and becomes the centre of numerous street animation initiatives that include carnival music, shows and various performances, contributing to the awakening of the revelry spirit of tourists and residents.

Theme Parties

The clubs and bars also offer various themed nights, such as the Hippie(on 4^th of March) and Travesti Night (1^st of March) which is a main part of Carnival in Madeira, inviting their guests to have fun dressing up according with the theme. On those dates, you will find most of the locals dressed accordingly.

And Finally, on 9^th of March, “Enterro do Osso”, which is the night that ends the carnival festivities. Literally meaning burying a bone, giving an end to this magic season.

Despite those being the most known parades, there are parades all around the island with different troupes as well as anyone who would like to be a part of it.

Such as:

Caniço – on 05^th of March at 16h00 p.m.  Starting in the center by the post office

Getting there: Bus – 155/2/109 (www.eacl.pt)

Santa Cruz – on 03^th of March at 17h00 p.m.

Getting there: Bus – 20/23/53/113 ( www.sam.pt)

Caniçal – on 05^th of March at 15h00 p.m.

Getting there: Bus –113 ( www.sam.pt)

Camara de Lobos –4^thof March at 21h00 p.m.

Getting there: Bus – 1/3/4/6/7/8/27/96 ( www.rodoeste.pt)