Madeira Low-Down

As you may have heard a devastating storm hit the island of Madeira on the 20th of February 2010. Heavy rains and strong winds battered the island in the early morning. In many parts the rich soil had reached its saturation point in less the 3 hours causing the landslides that were the main source of destruction in the event. The effect was compounded when debris clogged the island's drainage systems and water spilled from man made canals and rivers known as ...

The Partido Social Democrata's party at Chão da Lagoa is easily the largest in Madeira. With over 40 thousand people expected and 54 stands from towns from all over the island there is plenty to do and see. This is a political party meant for celebrating past victories and getting voters pumped up for the coming elections. There is an assortment of musical talent including Mickael Carreira and dancers mixed in with political speeches from key members of the PSD. The president ...

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 ...