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Eat, drink and be merry in August and starting the month off in style we have the Machico Gastronomic Festival from the 28th of July until the 3rd of August. If you are looking to sample authentic Eastern Madeiran cuisine, then Machico is the place to be. Moving to the north of the island, São Vicente celebrates Nossa Senhora da Saúde a.k.a Arraial dos Lameiros Festival, during the 1st and 2nd of August with the usual traditional food and lost of entertainment.
On August 2nd, 9th, 19th, and 30th, Estalagem da Ponta do Sol will host another edition of "Concertos L," a series of concerts that blend traditional and contemporary musical styles with Portuguese and international music.
Elsewhere, Madeira’s roads will reverberate from the scream of pistons during the Madeira Wine Rally (Rali Vinho Madeira) which takes place from the 3rd to the 5th. It’s fast, furious and exciting as both national and international competitors battle it out on the islands challenging roads.
Santacurtas – Santa Cruz will be showcasing a myriad of short films at its Friday night Film Festival evenings 4, 11, 18, and 25.
Taking a slightly more relaxed feel the Black Scabbard Festival between the 10th and 13th in Câmara de Lobos promises not only to be entertaining but shows the versatility of the islands most famous fish as well as giving visitors a glimpse behind the scenes of Madeira’s fishing industry.
The town of ‘Arts Camacha´ will be held in Camacha from the 10th to the 16th with the parish celebrating its local traditions and customs, including folklore, embroidery and musical entertainment. On the 14th and 15th, Monte will also be holding its traditional and annual Nossa Senhora do Monte Festival. This popular two-day event combines religious observance as well as live entertainment, fun and food. This is a must-see event.
If you are planning a trip to Porto Santo, the 17th and 18th are ideal because the island celebrates its own Wine Harvest Festival and although most of the grapes produced are for eating, Porto Santo has created some lovely table wines.
The Caniço Gastronomy Festival takes place in the town square from the 17th to the 21st, comprising musical entertainment and plenty of food stalls, so there is something for everyone to enjoy.
North of the island, the popular Festival of São Vicente, held between the 19th and 27th, features a weeklong event filled with activities and entertainment. Among the highlights is the thrilling Super Trial 4X4 São Vicente (19–20), where participants from both local and mainland Portugal showcase their skills in tackling challenging terrain.
Funchal celebrates its day in style on the 21st as the city centre revels in its history and has fun at the same time. The main performances will take place in Avenida do Mar and Avenida Arriaga, and as always there will be plenty of good entertainment peppered with a few official events.
It’s gastronomy week from the 21st to the 28th in Santana where the air will be alive with the smell of some of Madeira’s most excellent dishes accompanied by both regional and national musicians.
The Ponta do Sol Festivities, taking place from August 25 to September 11, feature the highly anticipated National and International Folklore Festival on August 27. Dancing holds immense significance in Madeiran culture, blending influences from mainland traditions, Moorish slaves, Arab melodies, and European elements. Ponta do Sol comes alive with vibrant music, singing, and dancing, brought to you by both local and international folklore groups.
The highlight of the month is, of course, the wine festival which takes place both in Câmara de Lobos and Funchal (Madeira Wine Lounge) between the 31st August and 17th of September. This iconic celebration has Funchal adorned with all things grape and wine related, giving visitors the chance to experience a little piece of Madeira’s wine history and of course to sample the wide variety of fortified and table wines that the island produces. The Funchal Municipal Gardens Auditorium will host European Folklore Week from the 27th to the 31st.
All that’s left to say is ‘let’s get the party started!’
