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.

1234►

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”.

It was early winter, the snow was blowing and I had settle in for the long haul at home in Westbrook, Connecticut USA.  Certainly a vacation would be nice right about now…How about an adventure.  So my Brother and I planned a trip to Maderia..We search for things to do and soon a plan developed. My Brother, Mother my Wife and I would go to Carnaval in Maderia and while there lets see the Levados,  or Levadas?  Not much as a speller.

Levada close-up near area of Ajuda

What is it you ask?  Well centurys ago the people of Madeira created water ways to channel clean fresh rain water from the mountains to the peoples of the Island..What a feat.  I believe the effort still continues today..By the way these water ways also have pathways. Pathways to homes, water falls, and scenic areas not accessible to cars or bus.

Water from levada diverted to thirsty plants

When we arrived I bought a map.  Yes maps help find the Levadas. Hundreds exist and go may places..so when visiting we found one small trail right near a relatives home.  We walk and saw water feeding banna trees and people tending the trees. We talked with tourists who also wondered about the trails..Beautiful sites and wonderful times..We enjoyed this enormously…I recommend a visit..

Bruce