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.

Tamayo Museum of Contemporary Art is Mexico City's quintessential art museum where you get to see the genius of Rufino Tamayo plus whatever temporary exhibition is on at the moment. Rufino Tamayo was one of the most renowned artists of the second half of the twentieth century who sought to create paintings in "the Mexican tradition" while distancing himself from the political and nationalist movements. Another big draw of the museum is the brutalist building itself, designed by Teodoro González de León and Abraham Zabludovsky who drew their inspiration from pre-Hispanic architecture. The core of the Museo Tamayo's collection consists of more than 300 works by 170 artists. The collection includes examples of the most renowned artists of the second half of the 20th century.

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.