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With the warmer weather, spring springs into action with a whole array of events this month. On the 1st of May Funchal pays homage to its patron saint, São Tiago Menor (St. James the Lesser). Centred, around the old town (Zona Vellha) the entertainment is both lively and traditional with the highlight being the procession honouring the patron saint himself.
Of course, one of the most significant events of this month and the event calendar is the Madeira Flower Festival held between the 2nd to 26th of May. On May 3rd and 4th, Palheiro Golf, one of Madeira's most luxurious golf courses, will host the Palheiro Gardens Golf Classic Tournament.
This vibrant, highly entertaining Flower Festival event includes the Children’s Parade on the 4th and the not-to-be-missed Flower Festival Float Parade on the 5th, which will also be broadcast live on the Funchal Marina Live Webcam. Click to learn more about the festival and its programme.
On the 4th of May, Paul do Mar will host the Maktub Soundsgood. This reggae festival is just perfect for those who want to relax and listen to great music in a beautiful coastal setting.
Music, dance, art, sculpture, theatre and photography are all part of the Ponta do Sol ‘Aqui Acolá’ event which aims to highlight the talent of the people living in the area from the 9th to 12th of May.
On the 12th, at 16:30, there will be a Madeira Flower Classic Auto Parade along Avenida Francisco Sá Carneiro, and Avenida do Mar e das Comunidades Madeirense.
Caniço hosts its very popular and lively Onion Festival between the 17th and 19th. In addition to all thing’s onion, there is an onion parade, auction and of course plenty of lively non-onion entertainment.
The annual School Sports Festival takes place at the Marítimo Stadium between the 17th and 24th and includes the very magical gymnastic show comprising of 1,800 participants aged from 8 until 90 years old.
On the 18th Madeira will be celebrating ‘International Museum Day’ with this year’s theme being ‘Museums as Cultural Hubs.’ With free entry, extended opening hours and night events, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
The Trans Madeira Enduro Mountain Bike adventure will take place across the island from the 21st to the 25th of May and from the 17th to the 21st of September over the course of five days, with athletes riding over 200 kilometres of various terrain exploring North, South, East, and West.
Returning to music, the Aleste Festival, an alternative music event, will take place from the 23rd to the 26th of May at the Barreirinha Bathing Complex in Funchal. This year promises an even bigger spectacle with additional stages and a myriad of bands performing at Museu Café, Jacafé, Largo do Socorro, Jaca Hostel in Porto da Cruz, and a thrilling surprise concert at Cais do Sardinha in Ponta de São Lourenço. With its ever-growing popularity, the festival continues to draw in numerous talented performers annually. Visit the event for more details on this year's lineup.
Classic car enthusiasts will be bowled over with the Madeira Classic Car Revival, which takes place on the 24th to 26th. Held at the Praça do Povo, the event is open to all cars, motorbikes and bicycles made before 1980. This year’s competition programme also includes ‘Best Epoque Outfit.’ On the 26th the Rampa dos Barreiros takes place. This sports car race pays tribute to the first historical car race held in Madeira in 1935.
The annual Trout and Cider Festival takes place between the 29th of May and the 2nd of June. Although cider and trout may seem an unlikely combination, the municipality of Santana has created a unique event including trout fishing competitions, food tastings and cider making demonstrations.
Funchal's city centre will be transformed into a typical Madeiran "arraial" for the next eight days as part of the 'Festas da Sé' Festival, which runs from May 31 to June 9. Restaurants and bars on local streets surrounding the Sé Cathedral, such as Rua João Tavira, Bispo, Ferreiros, Queimada de Cima, Queimada de Baixo, and Largo do Chafariz, will be decorated and serve traditional Madeiran dishes and beverages, followed by a variety of entertainment, music, and filarmonic bands.
