A total of 48 lives were lost with 8 more people still reported as missing. Sixty families were left without a home to return to and the majority of Funchal businesses remain closed at the time of writing. The total financial estimation is expected on Friday but there have already been reports that it will take a minimum of 2 years for Madeira to be rebuilt to its former glory. Speculations see the  impact on Madeira’s tourism be around 5 years but with the world’s  fluctuating economy it’s really anybodies guess. Three days of national mourning were held for the victims of the this tragedy.

The below photos show a fraction of the aftermath of the storm in Funchal and a couple photos of the damage to a close friend’s property.

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Schedule:

July 30th 17:00 – Ceremonial start on Avenida Arriaga in Funchal
July 30th 21:30 – Day 1 ends and course is reopened to the public

July 31th 08:00 – Day 2 starts in Água de Pena
July 31th 20:09 – Day 2 ends on Fundoa street, cars returned to Parc Fermé

Aug 1st 08:00 – Day 3 starts in Vale e Cova do Pico
Aug 1st20:09 – Day 3 ends on Fundoa, cars returned to Parc Fermé

For a detailed schedule and track map check out Rali Vinho Madeira’s site.

The first goal was scored in the first few minutes of the game by Meireles and second from a penalty kick at 64 minutes by Rolando.

In both the first and second half Marítimo had a good offense but wasn’t able to follow through with a goal.

The origin of Carnaval comes from the tradition that no parties are to be held during Lent. The holiday is was sort of like a final celebration. In these modern times Carnaval gives us a chance to shed our normal for a while and just hang loose and have fun. Its a time for family a friends to stay up all night and drink a little more than usual.

Its not just food and booze though- in Madeira you will find local dance and music schools performing in the main parade held on the 21st this year. The music is spectacular and the dancing is beautiful. Amazing costumes and dresses make the dancing all the more exciting. Those not participating in the main parade can join in the fun the on the 24th when they have the Peoples Parade. Be sure to be there and have a good laugh with fun costumes and music.

My only hope for this year is that it doesnt rain like last year. See you there.

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!

5. Havana Club – São Vicente

Havana could be your first stop this Halloween, it’s a good club and will have DJ Fabini doing his thing. Also Fridays from the 31st of Oct to the 10th of November are Ladies Nights, ladies get a free drink or two.

4. El Mexicano Restaurante – Funchal

The Mexicano will be in on the Halloween action as well but to what extent remains to be seen. If you’re looking for a fairly laid back atmosphere the Mexicano may be for you. The restaurant has Mexican-ish decorations and color scheme going on and very friendly staff. The food and margaritas are good too.

3. GUGAS – Ajuda

Gugas is another laid back snack bar/restaurante with an outdoor patio. Halloween night they will have beers from 0.30ȼ – €1. Gugas is located in front of Madeira Magic.

2. Copacabana, Casino da Madeira – Funchal

The Copacabana is one of my favorite clubs in Funchal. It is a club located at the bottom of the Casino and has a nice dark underground feel to it with lots of room for dancing. This Halloween they pull out all the stops with live music from Banadaz’inha with Cristina Barbosa as lead vocals. There will be lots of photographers snapping up pics for the casino’s album and as always- good music to get your groove on.

1. Vespas/Jam – Funchal

If for some reason you can only make it 2 one of the places on this list, Vespas better be it. Antennae 3 will be “IN DA CLUB” to doing their Halloween episode for the station that will feature 30 zombies. Expect the usual awesome beats spun by DJ OXY and some remixed classics like MJ’s “Thriller” and hopefully DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince’s  “Nightmare on My Street”.

Curral das Freiras will celebrate this day with the 21st Annual Festa da Castanha/Chestnut Festival. Traditional music and dances will be performed and visitors can sample roasted chestnuts served by the various vendors in this small town. These chestnuts are hand picked and dry roasted with salt, making the perfect hot snack for this time of year. For those watching your weight this time of year you can relax a bit knowing castanhas contain very little fat and are chock full of vitamins C and B6 and are also a good source of potassium. If nuts aren’t your thing there are many other seasonal foods to sample at the Chestnut Festival- sopa de trigo/wheat soup, apples, pears, and other locally grown produce.

View from the lookout above Boca da Corrida

The holiday of Todos os Santos is a day for honoring all saints, known and unknown. Children celebrate Todos os Santos as Pão-por-deus. Pão-por-deus is like the opposite of America’s Halloween, here children venture out in groups and recite versus from the good book and sing songs to receive bread (pão), dried fruits, and chestnuts. I personally prefer this to the corporation controlled tradition of making or buying expensive costumes and candy, then having ungrateful children show up on my doorstep demanding candy.

View from above of Curral das Freiras

Anyways now you have a place to be on November 1st and a day off from work. See you there.

The event begins Sunday afternoon with a parade of bands through Ribeira Brava’s main road closest to the water. It will be hard to since it is the one with beautiful floral arrangements hung across the road. After the parade the bands will each perform for about 10 minutes in Ribeira Brava’s Marginal- a big beautiful gazebo covered in lights.

The evening will conclude with all bands collaborating in a grand finale with trophies and bouquets distributed to the winners of this grand musical contest. Toasts will be made and a grand time will be had by all. See you there.

UPDATE – Oct, 13 2008

Only a couple photos and one video from this event. Poorly quality images and video, it may be time for a new camera.

While the races are fun enough to watch, they also present the opportunity to spend quality time with friends and family. Its common to make a weekend of the races and travel into the mountains to watch the race and camp with the people you care about. If you plan to go with your friends bring plenty of wine and beer and go all out. The roaring engines and cheering crowds are enough to get your blood pumping, but watching they way these professional drivers handle the turns just takes the cake.

If you are looking for race results check out the Rali Vinho Madeira website. But in the end its not about who wins or loses its about having fun and getting together with the ones you love… Unless you have money on the races- then it IS about who wins or loses.

Here is some onboard action courtesy of Rali Vinho da Madeira.