Madeira November Events

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire. Chestnut Festival, Christmas Lights are some of the great events throughout the month of November.

Chestnut Festival (Festa da Castanha) – Curral das Freiras 1st November
Curral das Freiras celebrates the Annual Chestnut Festival a very popular event with lots of entertainment, traditional food and drink. Visitors can sample various specialties made of chestnut, roasted chestnuts, liquors and delicious cake. There is also a gastronomic contest by the local restaurants where traditional food is served.
On November the 1st Portugal celebrates All Saints day “Dia de Todos os Santos” also a typical Madeiran custom, dia de Pão-por-deus a Children’s Celebration, similar to the American style Halloween, but instead of just getting sweets, children go door to door with their pretty home made bags filled with chestnuts, bread, fruit and sweets where they sing and share with other children.




Funchal Christmas Lights – 26th November
Christmas is almost here and preparations for the holiday season appear to start earlier and earlier. Many shops stock up on Christmas merchandise early October and Funchal City Centre begin its Christmas lighting preparations mid November.
The trees are dressed with multicoloured lights, different designs and size, the Christmas lights are officially switched on 4th December but the main centre streets of Funchal are lit from mid November followed by great seasonal displays and entertainment leading up to the festivities.