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Europe Portugal Madeira Events Columbus Festival

Overview

Columbus Festival

The guide was updated: 2025-03-31

In September, Vila Baleira honours Christopher Columbus, who once lived in the archipelago. The festival commemorates the discoverer’s presence on the Madeira Islands and his voyages to the Americas with performances that recreate the atmosphere in the time of the Portuguese explorers.

Useful Information

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Carnival

Carnival

Carnival on Madeira is a raucous celebration — one of the best in Europe. It is an annual festival held forty days before Easter, with activities ranging from Samba groups to electrifying street parades and costume competitions– it's easy to get swept up in the song and dance all across the island.

Flower Festival

Flower Festival

Every year after Easter, Funchal hosts an upbeat, colourful flower festival made possible by its subtropical climate. The city becomes drowned in soft, ephemeral perfumes produced by the many flower walls and carpets made by the locals.

Atlantic Festival

Atlantic Festival

Taking place in June, the Atlantic Festival marks the beginning of the summer season in Madeira. Classical music concerts, fireworks, and street performances make this the epitome of Madeira's summer nightlife.

Wine Festival

Wine Festival

This folk festival is held in late August, early September, when the grape harvest begins. In Funchal and Estreito de Câmara de Lobos, this occasion is celebrated with decorations, music, and dancing. It will be hard to refuse a glass of one of the many wines flowing in celebration.

Columbus Festival

Columbus Festival

In September, Vila Baleira honours Christopher Columbus, who once lived in the archipelago. The festival commemorates the discoverer’s presence on the Madeira Islands and his voyages to the Americas with performances that recreate the atmosphere in the time of the Portuguese explorers.

Madeira Nature Festival

Madeira Nature Festival

Surrender to the charms of an island that exhales energy and inspires adventure. Held in October with the goal of promoting nature tourism, the festival offers activities for all ages, which allow direct contact with the island's rich natural heritage.

New Year Celebrations

New Year Celebrations

During Christmas season, Funchal Bay's amphitheatre is transformed into a giant festive scene illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights. When New Year's Eve arrives, the city's skies are filled with fireworks launched from over 50 different points, a dazzling start to the upcoming year.

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