Madeira is already preparing its Christmas and New Year’s Eve programme. The lights have been switched on, and as always Funchal is out to dominate the island with its optical displays. Although I do have to say, Santa Cruz is looking rather good as well!
The city centre as always is filled with Christmas entertainment and shopping, especially Placa Central da Avenida Arriaga, where this year’s Christmas market will be held. The market officially opens tomorrow and will showcase a variety of traditional products, regional gastronomy, as well as entertainment by folklore groups, philharmonic orchestras and Christmas concerts.
As always, the renowned nativity comprising 12 polychrome figures honouring and representing the birth of Jesus is one of the main attractions. The scene depicts both traditional scenography and more contemporary elements. The nativity is located in front of the Sé Cathedral.
Largo da Restauração, will again host the Ethnographic Village. This traditionally built village incorporates typical Madeiran thatched roofed houses interplanted with natural and exotic vegetation. There will be an exhibition of antiquities, replicas of objects and objects of the past highlighting professions which have fallen into decline or become extinct.
Children are the stars of the Municipal Garden, which is transformed into a winter wonderland for little ones and includes Father Christmas, sleigh, snowmen and reindeer, as well as a whole host of other Christmas favourites.
New Year’s Eve, recognised as one of the highlights of the year in the archipelago, presents an eight-minute pyrotechnic and lighting show to close off 2022 and welcome in 2023.
The full programme of events is available at: https://eventsmadeira.com/
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
