Events in Funchal during 2012

Find here information about events in Madeira and its cities. Participate in the festivities and celebrations organised by the city of Funchal, where you will be travelling to and learn more about the locals as well as their culture.

On the Reviews page for Funchal, our customers share with us their experiences, this will help you get a taste of the service offered by our car hire partners in Funchal.

Here you will not only find information about the city of Funchal but also useful and resourceful tips on the most popular events in Funchal.

On our Videos web-page, EconomyCarRentals.co.uk can take you on a short 'city tour' even before arriving in your destination.

In Funchal you may find events to suit all ages and tastes and the most perfect part is that they are easily accessible with your car hire. While visiting Funchal for business or pleasure, there is always time for you to immerse yourself in the festivals in Funchal, that might take place just nearby.
Enjoy exploring Funchal with the help of your car hire but first check out the weather on our Weather Page! Find accommodation in Funchal, possibly near the event you wish to attend.

January

Singing of the Kings "Cantar os Reis" (5th to 6th Jan) – Festive songs are sung throughout the town at this annual event in Funchal.

July

Funchal Jazz Festival (5th - 7th July) - Santa Catarina Park is where this three day international jazz festival in Funchal takes place. (www.funchaljazzfestival.com)
Festival Raizes do Atlantico (26th – 28th July) - A free traditional show is staged at the Municipal Garden for this annual festival in Funchal. Drawing national and international performers to Portugal’s very old music festival. (www.raizesdoatlantico.com)

February

Madeira Carnival (early February) - The annual amazing carnival festival in Funchal that takes place forty days before Easter.

August

The Feast of Nossa Senhora do Monte – This annual religious festival in Funchal honours the salvation of the people from the plague and starvation.
Madeira Wine Rally (2nd – 4th August) – Drawing both competitors and fans to this premier rally race that takes place through the streets of Madeira. (www.ralivm.com)
Monte Festival (15th August) – An important religious festival takes place at the beautifully decorated chuch Nossa Senhora do Monte as pilgrims pay homage to Our Lady of Monte- the patron saint of Madeira.
Funchal City Day (21st August) – This Funchal event is the honouring of when Funchal officially became a Portuguese city.
Canoe Tour round Madeira (26th Aug - 2nd Sep) – An energetic canoe race around the island includes both professionals and locals.

March

Madeira Forest and Tree Week (19th - 23rd March) – This annual Funchal event honours ‘Madeira Forest and Tree Week’ at this ecological event aiming to raise awareness, taking place at the Ecological Park.

September

Madeira Wine Festival – This annual event sees the celebration for the harvest of Madeira’s world-famous wine.
World's Largest Photography Exhibition (1st – 30th September) – The world of photography assemble in Funchal and Porto Santo for this annual event in Funchal.
World Tourism Day (27th September) – Free entrance to many gardens and museums in this annual cultural event in Funchal, which also incorporates entertainment and different activities.

April

Festival of the Gardens - This prestigious annual horticultural event in Funchal is staged at the Jardim Almirante Reis and promotes the splendid gardens of Funchal.
Festival of the Flower (two weeks after Easter) – A beautiful parade of flower laden cars  and floats meander through the streets in this annual festival in Funchal.

October

Nature Festival (1st – 7th October) - An interesting and energetic event offering a vision of  Madeira’s nature and heritage.
Halloween (31st October) – Madeira Magic Park hosts this popular annual event in Madeira where children dress up in costumes.

May

Sao Tiago Menor Festival (1st May) – A splendid procession, music and lively entertainment unfold as the Patron Saint Soa Tiago Menor is commemorated at this annual traditional festival in Funchal.
Book Fair (17th - 27th May) – Avenida Arriaga plays host to this annual event in Funchal that lasts for a week. Featured are seminars, literary works, poetry readings and activities for children.
Festas da Sé (25th May - 3rd June) – A jubilant traditional street party consisting of lively music and brass bands combined with singing and dancing all take place for this annual religious festival in Funchal.

November

Chestnut Festival (1st November) - Curral das Freiras is where the chustnut is plentiful and stages an annual festival in Funchal to honour the nut.
Funchal International Film Festival (17th – 2th November) – The Baltazar Dias Municipal Theatre hosts the annual film festival in Funchal. (www.funchalfilmfest.com)

June

Madeira Classic Rally (22nd - 26th June) – The Clube Automóveis Clássicos da Madeira is the organiser of this annual rally race event in Funchal which showcases vintage and classic models.

December

Christmas Lights (8th December - 6th January) – Entertainment, cultural events, displays an more take place for this annual event in Funchal to celebrate this seasonal time of year.
Childbirth Mass (16th - 24th December) – A religious festival in Funchal paying homage to the Virgin Mary’s pregnancy months.
Market Night (23rd December) – The annual traditional seasonal market event in Funchal that lasts through the night.
Christmas Midnight Mass "Missa do Galo" (24th December) – All the churches commemorate the birth of Jesus at the most important annual religious festival in Funchal.
Sao Silvestre Race (28th December) – This Funchal event is the traditional long distance race  staged annually, drawing a large number of participants.
Grand Firework Display (31st December) – Amazing firework displays unfold at the annual festival in Funchal to welcome in the New Year.