Madeira May Events
See what’s happening in Madeira Island for the Month of May.
All Events have been postponed until further notice.
Madeira Flower Festival Postponed to September (dates to be announced)
São Tiago Menor Festival – May 1st
Every year on the 1st of May, the City of Funchal prays tribute to its patron saint São Tiago Menor. This typical Maderian Festival takes place throughout the old part of Town (zona velha), with a traditional procession, great entertainment and music lasting for several days.
Festa da Cebola (Onion Festival) – (date to be confirmed)
The Onion Festival takes place in the town of Caniço in Padre Lomelino Square (in front of the Church). This popular cultural event has a tradition going back a quite a few years; its principal attraction is the onion parade, with cars very well decorated and the allusive auction of the onion.
Here visitors can appreciate the onion exhibit, several musical attractions and the opportunity to enjoy several traditional delicacies.
Fica na Cidade Festival 'Stay in Town' – (date to be confirmed)
Fica na Cidade is a cultural event in Funchal city centre, with live Rock, Pop and Jazz style concerts in the areas of La Vie, Largo Corpo Santo, Largo do Cgafariz, Praça Amarela, Praça do Carmo, Rua da Carreira and Sé.
Regional Brass Band Meeting – Ribeira Brava – (date to be confirmed)
Ribeira Brava celebrates the Regional Meeting of Bands, an annual event created to preserve the important musical heritage of the Region and to give public recognition of the extraordinary collaboration offered by the Philharmonics. Its main attraction is the Band Parade throughout the mains streets of the town, each group presenting their own style of music and at the end all Bands gather at the Village church for a great performance to enliven the atmosphere.
Madeira Classic Car Revival – Praça do Povo – (date to be confirmed)
From vintage racers to modern classics, the annual Classic Auto Show is a glamorous showcase of automobile history before 1980, where enthusiasts can share their passion for vintage cars, motorbikes and scooters. Hundreds of beautifully restored vehicles are exhibited along Praça do Povo, Funchal. Attracting visitors and spectators from all over the world, this Auto Show also includes an automobile fair and car restoration demonstrations. The most original and elegantly restored cars are awarded prizes at the end of the day.
Book Fair (Feira do Livro) – Funchal – (date to be confirmed)
The book Fair is an annual event held annually for one week in May in Funchal Avenida Arriaga, it involves the participation of the majority of Madeira’s bookshops and some Portuguese publishing houses including live entertainment. Here you may find stands of great selection of Books for all ages including antique photos of Madeira and much more.
'Festas da Sé' Festival – Funchal – (date to be confirmed)
While visiting Madeira Island, take the opportunity and experience a typical Maderian Festival in the centre of Funchal. The surrounding streets of the Cathedral are beautifully decorated and very crowded. Visitors can enjoy and taste traditional Madeiran drinks and delightful delicacies from restaurants and bars throughout streets of João Tavira, Rua do Bispo, Rua da Queimada de Cima, Rua da Queimada de Baixo and Rua dos Ferreiros. There is great entertainment, live music, philharmonic bands, folklore dances and constant liveliness happening every day between 7:30 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Porto Santo Nature Trail – 29-30
Another edition of the Ultra Trail takes place in Porto Santo. This event consists of three races that will cover the entire island: 42 Kilometres (main race), 21 kilometres (second race) and the shortest, 7.5 kilometres.
