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 ...

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 ...

So you are American or English and have nowhere to go this Halloween in Madeira right? WRONG. This haunted holiday is no longer exclusive to England and the United States. Over the last several years Halloween has gained momentum in Europe and in Madeira Portugal it’s in full swing. Below are the top 5 places to be while in Madeira for Halloween. If you can only make it to two of them, makes sure its numbers 1 and 2 from this list. 5. ...

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 ...