Madeira Low-Down

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. [caption ...

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 ...

Visitors of Madeira are in for a real treat on October 12th. Ribeira Brava will be hosting the annual Regional Bands Meeting, where the best bands from all over the island will come together for a night of fun and music. This is a great way to experience Madeira's rich musical heritage. View from above of Ribeira Brava Madeira The event begins Sunday afternoon with a parade of bands through Ribeira Brava's main road closest to the water. It will be ...

While there are many things to look forward to during summertime in Madeira, one of my favorite events are the Rallys. Madeira's terrain and roads are some of the toughest to race on which means only the best will bring home the gold at the end of the races. 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 ...