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It’s November, and the smell of roasted chestnuts in Funchal and around the island makes you want to reach out and grab a bag of warm nuttiness. So, starting the month off we have the Chestnut Festival on October 31st and November 1st in Nuns Valley (Curral das Freiras). The versatility of the chestnut knows no bounds as it is used to create cakes and liqueurs.
Another annual favourite is the International Madeira Bridge Open, now in its 25th year and held at the Vidamar Resort Hotel in Funchal and will take place from the 2nd to the 13th. ADN RACE – Ponta do Sol, a Trail Running event part of the Regional Trail Championship, will take place on November 5th in the municipality of Ponta do Sol. The race is divided into three distance: Long Trail "Trail Longo" (32km 1800m D+), Short Trail "Trail Curto" (13km 800m D+) and Walking "Caminhada" (8km 400m D+).
The Sandokan Enduro Madeira Island, Mountain Bike competition, takes place on the 7th and has mountain bikers from all over the world cycling across some of the islands most arduous and beautiful countryside.
Music lovers will be enthralled with the V Madeira Piano Fest which includes performances from seven international pianists and takes place from the 8th to the 12th at the Teatro Municipal Baltazar Dias.
The annual "Sounds and Flavours of Madeira" event returns to Santa Cruz. This three-day event, held from November 10th to 12th at Padre Gabriel Olavo Garcês Square in the parish of Santa Cruz, aims to promote the cuisine of the Municipality of Santa Cruz and includes the participation of various local restaurants offering delicacies and regional beverages, followed by live music and traditional folklore groups.
On the 11th Saint Martin (Festa de São Martinho) is celebrated in style across the island particularly at the most popular St. Martins Church in São Martinho, Funchal, the eve of the festival is very important as it is traditional to taste the wines and enjoy roast Bacalhau. Although it is uncertain when his presence was first observed here in Madeira, tradition has it that on the eve of the festival the Madeirans enjoy a meal of baked codfish and sample the odd glass of wine or two.
The Madeira Classical Orchestra (Orquestra Clássica da Madeira) has a series of exciting events scheduled for this month (visit Orquestra Clássica da Madeira for details and concert schedules). On November 11th, they will host a concert featuring the award-winning French cellist of Armenian descent, Astrig Siranossian. Then, on November 15th, there will be a chamber music concert with the theme "Musical Happenings." And on the 16th and 30th, there's a chamber music recital featuring Pedro Camacho on the transverse flute, Duarte Santos on percussion, and Jéssica Sá on the harp.
Wine enthusiasts will love the ‘Essence of Wine’ event on the 23rd, 24th and 25th at the Savoy Palace Hotel brings together both Madeiran and Portuguese vintners in this wine celebration event. Throughout the three days, there will be free wine tasting and show-cooking demonstrations (get your tickets for the event).
The Christmas festivities kick off next Thursday, November 23rd, with 'The Magic of Christmas at the Market,' starting at 20:00 at the Farmers' Market (decorative lighting and musical entertainment). From November 25th to January 6th, the 'Christmas Village' will be held at the Town Square, offering a range of activities and festive entertainment for children, including Santa's arrival. From November 26th to January 7th (15:00 to 22:00), the Ice Rink at Almirante Reis will be open.
The International Festival of Digital Arts, more affectionately known as MadeiraDig Festival, will take place from November 30th to December 5th at Casa das Mudas Museu de Arte Contemporânea (live cam) in Calheta and Cultural Centre John dos Passos Estalagem da Ponta do Sol, an adventure into the serious world of music.
The traditional February Wedding fair "Funchal Noivos e Festas" will be held between the (to be announced) at the VidaMar Congress Center - Hotels & Resorts (Centro de Congressos VidaMar - Hotels & Resorts). It’s a must for anyone planning their honeymoon or thinking about having their wedding blessed here on the island. The anticipated fashion shows include both national and international designers.
