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Considered by many to be one of the best carnivals on the European continent, Carnival in Madeira Island is synonymous of party and joy. Celebrated between the 15th and 26th of February, its the first major event in Madeira Island calendar in 2023.
We have many events happening during those days:
Festa dos Compadres
The Festa dos Compadres marks the opening of the Carnival season in Madeira, a tradition that dates back over a century and a half and where irony and sarcasm and a lot of social criticism, are very evident. It’s celebrated with great enthusiasm in the northeast of the island, more precisely in the municipality of Santana, an initiative scheduled for the 10th and 11th of February.
Known for its originality, marked by its amusing giant figures that parade with humor, color and joy through the streets of this picturesque city, the Festa dos Compadres ends with a “judgment” to the giant figures alluding to the compadres, which culminates in their condemnation and burning.
Travesti night
Most bars, clubs and hotels offer themed nights during Carnival. It usually starts on Friday , February 17th, with Transvestite Night, where men dress up as women and vice versa. This is one of the Madeirans’ favorite nights, followed by drinking, music and dancing.
Carnival Parade
The Carnival Parade always takes place on the Saturday before Carnival Tuesday, with the participation of several groups, called trupes, with thousands of people, who, after a year preparing clothes and choreographies, participate in a parade along Avenida do Mar, in Funchal, with the sound of the emblematic samba, which is reminiscent of the warm and festive atmosphere of Copacabana streets, in Brazil.
Hippie Night
On Carnival Monday, the Hippies Night is celebrated, which invites participants to dress up in costumes and masks alluding to the theme that goes back to the 60s and have fun on the most varied dance floors on the island.
Trapalhão
On Tuesday, Carnival day, the Trapalhão parade takes to the streets. This is a parade whose objective is to use humor and combine it with political and social satire. This parade traditionally floods the streets of the center of Funchal with joy and fun. All interested public can participate in this parade with the costumes they want. In the end, imagination and originality are rewarded.
Traditional food
When we talk about Madeira, we always talk about the rich gastronomy that the island has to offer and in Carnival is no exception. The tradition says that Carnival is celebrated with typical sweets: Sonhos and Malassadas. These are made from flour and eggs, drizzled with a regional sugar cane honey, Mel de Cana. You can find it in the island’s bakeries and pastry shops, but there’s nothing like homemade and eating in the presence of family and friends.
Do you already have everything you need to celebrate this Carnival? Party wherever you prefer and rest and relax at Villa Amore Accommodation. We are waiting for you. Happy Carnival!
