One of the main events attracting tourists to Madeira, it takes thousands to the streets.
Carnival 2016 is set for February the 3rd to the 10th. This time, in between official celebrations, shows the spontaneity of popular celebrations.
One of the high notes is the parade on the evening of Saturday, with this year’s theme being “Madeira, Carnival’s dream”.
With about 1,200 participants distributed among nine troupes, the parade goes down the main avenues of Funchal and takes thousands to the streets.
On Tuesday afternoon, it’s time for the humourful and satirical Trapalhão parade. Participation is free, registering being the only requirement.
Besides the parades, Carnival is also celebrated in the bars and clubs of the island. Themes are chosen, such as the Pajamas or the Transvestite night, and they inspire costumes and entertainment.
Starting February 3, Avenida Arriaga becomes one of the event’s main hubs with lots of stalls and entertainment. It’s here that on Friday morning children bring the School Carnival to life. Still that afternoon, it is the elderly’s time to take the street for the solidary Carnival.
But Carnival also has a gastronomic side to it. According to tradition one eats malassadas and sonhos, a kind of fried doughnuts without holes, two Madeiran delicacies usually wet in sugar cane honey.
