Madeira Low-Down

Carnaval in Madeira is an event like none other. Those familiar with Carnaval in Brazil have the basic idea, now subtract the mindless sex in the streets and some of the crazy and you have Carnaval in Madeira. 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 ...

The 1st of November in Portugal is "Dia de Todos os Santos" or All Saints Day. To celebrate many people are given or take the day off from to spend time with family and friends in the countryside collecting chestnuts and having cookouts. 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 ...

During Summer Madeira comes alive, not just because the sun is out or because people feel more relaxed or even because the island looks like a green paradise. It's because in summertime we celebrate the most beautiful and colorful church festivals in Europe. People come together to celebrate and have a good time all while paying respects to our lost loved ones and to the Saints for which the holidays were founded. The best part of these events in my opinion is the ...