2. Savor the Market Nights
Popular events known as “Market Nights” are held in and around each municipality’s local markets, where seasonal goods like flowers, exotic fruits, candies and liqueurs are typically offered.
The most well-known is the Mercado dos Lavradores Market Night in Funchal, which takes place on December 23rd. The market’s surrounding streets are congested with traffic this evening as people take advantage of the chance to socialize, dance, listen to live music and do their last-minute Christmas shopping.

3. Take part in “Missas do Parto”
Nine holy masses, known as the “Missas do Parto” are celebrated in anticipation of Jesus’ birth between December 16 and December 24 at the crack of dawn, usually between five and seven in the morning.
The masses are held in the churchyards, where there are traditional chants and a joyous ambiance. Both the faithful and guests are provided with refreshments. While the “Missas do Parto” are held at all the churches on the island, it’s recommended Sé Catedral, Igreja do Monte and Igreja de São Martinho.

4. Go see the scenes of nativity
The Madeiran people have long treasured the custom of displaying nativity scenes in their homes, churches and public areas. Nativity scenes can be classified as either “em rochinha” or “em escadinha.”
The latter mimics the island’s topography, featuring mountains, valleys, fajãs (flat areas close to the coast) and a cave that is decorated with fruits, houses, churches and nativity figures.
While nativity scenes can be found all over the island, it’s especially suggested visiting the ones at Jardim Municipal, Mercado dos Lavradores and Jardim Botânico.

5. Discover December New Year’s Eve fireworks
The 31st December New Year’s Eve firework display dazzles and excites spectators both domestically and internationally, capping up December and the year in a flood of color, excitement and music.
There will be 61 fireworks posts this year, five on the ocean, 25 on the city’s waterfront and 29 in the Funchal amphitheater. Each post will last eight minutes and include accompanying music.
This year’s new launching locations include the Amparo Garden (Jardim do Amparo), the Ponta Gorda Bathing Complex and the Praia Formosa Promenade and the area north of it. On Porto Santo Island, there will be two posts as well.

Enjoy the most beautiful winter holiday in Madeira with your family and friends, always relying on Madeira Airport Transfer for high quality and easy taxi services, for unforgettable adventures and precious memories!

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The first important festival that marks the coming of October, between 3-5.10.2014, is Festa da Maca, organized in the rural area of Camacha. This Apple Festival has all the ingredients for a good Portuguese parties, with food, dance, exhibitions, parades and of course, apples. Color and perfumes fill the atmosphere. And did you think the French are the only ones who can make a good Cider? Well, think again and taste the freshly squeezed Madeiran apple cider here!

One of the greatest October 2014 events is the Madeira Nature Festival. Scheduled between the 7th and the 12th of October, the festival aims at unraveling the natural and cultural legacy of Madeira. In a landscape dominated by mountains and valleys and the gentle waves of the endless Atlantic Ocean, everyone is invited to join in the fun and reflect on the beauty of the natural wilderness of the amazing island.

On October 9th, Machico hosts the Lord of Miracles Festival (Festa do Senhor dos Milagres). It is one of the most important religious festivals of the city, hosted by one of the oldest of Madeiran chapels, the Chapel of Senhor dos Milagres. The celebration is marked by a procession and followed by celebrations with food, drinks and traditional entertainment.

Halloween (popularly known as The Feast of All Saints, or The Feast of All the Hollow throughout the world) originated in Ireland and Scotland, an ancient pagan celebration that would later evolve into the most popular celebration in the world. On October 31st, Madeira too says “Happy Halloween” and dresses in spooky costumes while hunting for candy.

So there is plenty to do and enjoy in Madeira for the coming month. And if you need transport, you know already” rent a car in Madeira or trust a reliable transfer.

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