Madeira Low-Down

Its Christmas time and malls across the globe are kicking off the season with special appearances from Santa Clause and decorations. But shopping centers in Madeira seem to take things a little bit further than those I have seen in the other parts of the world…

Like most malls of the world (the Christian parts anyway), U.S. malls have plenty of holiday lights and a little Santa house where kids can go and tell Santa what to bring them for Christmas. The actual appearance of Santa isn’t so spectacular though, a regular guy walks in and 20 minutes later he walks out way fatter and dressed like Santa. Madeira takes things to the next level by having Santa (Pai Natal) and his helpers repel from the roof of the 4 story shopping center through a dangerous light display.

Could only be cooler with guns

Each week during the holiday season brings a new and exciting activity to the shopping centers. Never mind the 22ºC weather, Forum does its customers right with an artificial ice rink.

Ice Rink from 2007

The only thing I wasn’t too keen on was the release of hundreds of balloons to celebrate Santa’s arrival. They were not filled with helium and Forum has an excellent cleaning staff but it just seemed odd considering Forum just won an environmental award.

Kids waiting in line

to see the man himself

Santa Clause!