English 
Português 
Deutsch 
Español 
Originally celebrated on the 21st of June to worship the pagan summer solstice, this festival is as significant now as it was back then; although today three famous saints, St. Anthony (Santo Antonio), St. John (São João) and St. Peter (São Pedro) are honoured instead of summer itself.
The celebrations start on the 12th and 13th of June by paying tribute to St. Anthony (Santo Antonio), whose name is said to create a unique feeling within the parish he presides over. The Santo António festival, whose official day is 13th of June, is celebrated in the parishes of Santo António (Funchal), Santo António da Serra, Ponta do Sol, Raposeira (Fajã da Ovelha), Estreito de Câmara de Lobos, in the parish of Santa (Porto Moniz), and Faial.
Between the 15th and 25th June, the inhabitants of Porto Santo pay homage to St. John (São João), creating one of the most notable and famous attractions on the island. This encompassing event comprises costumed parades, cultural activities and sporting events such as golf and tennis tournaments.
The festival of São João Batista (21st to the 24th), whose official day is June 24th, is also celebrated in Funchal, with the "altars of São João," On the 23rd all of the saints come together as a parade in their honour takes place through several streets in Funchal (Rua das Pretos, Rua da Carreira and Rua de São João), creating a very lively and fun evening. As well as in Calheta (16, 23, 24) and Ribeira Brava (23rd), where popular marches are the main focus.
The festivities conclude during the weekend of the 28th – 29th June in Santa Cruz, 28th June – 02nd July Ribeira Brava and Câmara de Lobos, where the final parades for St. Peter (São Pedro) are held. Like many Madeiran religious festivals, this weekend embraces worship, food, family and entertainment. The celebrations conclude with a firework display that lights up the heavens in a dramatic display of colour and light.
The fireworks display in Câmara de Lobos can be viewed live on our Câmara de Lobos Cruz da Caldeira Live Cam.
So, welcome to joyous June, and we hope you will take some time out to enjoy the festivities listed above.
