Cultural events calendar on the island of Madeira in 2026
2026 in Madeira: A Year Full of Colors and Culture – Preview of Extraordinary Festivals
Madeira is a place where life unfolds year-round. From the world-famous Flower Festival to intimate village fairs – each month brings unique energy and local charm. The year 2026 will be particularly rich in traditional events, international sporting events, food and wine tastings, and artistic performances that blend Madeira's heritage with global allure.
Whether you are visiting Madeira for the first time, returning to your favorite island, or hosting guests from Madeira.com.pl, this detailed guide includes all the key dates,information from experts and local travel tips that will make this year truly unforgettable.
Note: The event schedule is subject to change. Confirmed dates are marked as (confirmed), while (to be confirmed) means the date will be confirmed.
Key Events of 2026
Event - Dates - Location - Highlights
Carnival: February 11–22, 2026 (confirmed)
Funchal + the whole island
Allegorical parades, samba bands, themed parties
MIUT – Madeira Island Ultra-Trail April 25–26, 2026 (confirmed)
Porto Moniz → Machico 115-kilometer ultramarathon through Madeira's rugged terrain
Flower Festival April 30–May 24, 2026 (confirmed)
Funchal - Grand Flower Parade (May 3), floral carpets, exhibitions
Madeira Classic Car Revival May 22–24, 2026 (confirmed)
Funchal - Vintage car parades, competitions, Rampa dos Barreiros hill climb
Atlantic Festival June 5–28, 2026 (confirmed)
Funchal Bay - Fireworks every Saturday, live concerts, food stalls
Santos Populares Festival mid-June – early July (to be confirmed)
Funchal, Câmara de Lobos, Ribeira Brava - Street festivals, grilled sardines, parades of popular saints
Funchal Jazz Festival early/mid-July (to be confirmed)
Parque de Santa Catarina - International artists, jam sessions, waterfront atmosphere
Madeira Wine Rally early August (to be confirmed)
The whole island - International car rally on mountain roads
Wine Festival August 27 – September 13, 2026 (confirmed)
Funchal and Câmara de Lobos - Grape crushing, folklore, food and wine tastings
Columbus Festival mid-September (to be confirmed)
Porto Santo - Historical reenactments, medieval fairs, sailing events
Nature Festival early/mid-October (to be confirmed)
The whole island - Outdoor sports, ecological activities, workshops
Christmas and New Year December 2026–January 2027
The whole island - Holiday illuminations, Market Night (December 23),New Year's Eve fireworks (December 31)
JANUARY – tranquil nature and winter sun
January is the quietest month in Madeira. Holiday decorations remain until early January, and mild winter temperatures averaging 18°C make it the perfect time to explore levadas, waterfalls, and high peaks.
Highlights:
The Feast of the Three Kings (January 5-6) marks the end of the holiday season.
Traditional singing groups perform in Funchal and smaller villages.
Local cuisine: hearty stews, bolo do caco bread, and poncha.
Tip: Ideal for long stays and hiking vacations. Less crowded, great off-season prices.
Planning a trip to Madeira in 2026 and looking for the perfect place to stay?
FEBRUARY – Carnival atmosphere and local festivities
Carnival in Madeira (February 11-22, 2026) fills Funchal with rhythm, energy, and fun.
Expect dazzling costumes, samba performances, and street parties.
Main highlights:
Grand allegorical parade (February 14) – professional samba groups and floats.
Trapalhão Parade (February 17) – humorous costumes, open to all.
Daily entertainment, concerts, and themed parties.
Also in February:
Festa da Anona (Cherimoya Festival) in Faial – a celebration of tropical fruits, food stalls, and folk music.
MARCH – flowers, fairs, and gentle adventure
March marks the beginning of spring. Rural landscapes bloom with wildflowers, and the levada trails are at their lushest.
Attractions:
Visit farmers' markets in Santana and São Vicente.
Go whale watching as the migration season begins.
Participate in local religious processions and culinary festivals.
Tip: Visit the Ponta do Pargo lighthouse at sunset to admire unforgettable views of the coast.
Planning a trip to Madeira in 2026 and looking for the perfect place to stay?
APRIL – Sports challenges and Easter celebrations
April is a dynamic month combining sports, spirituality, and nature..
Main event:
MIUT – Madeira Island Ultra-Trail (April 25-26) – one of the toughest endurance races in Europe, covering 115 km of Madeira's dramatic terrain.
Easter Week:
Parishes display floral carpets and organize traditional processions.
Cities prepare for spring fairs and outdoor markets.
Tip for visitors: If you plan to participate in MIUT, book accommodation near Machico or Porto Moniz well in advance.
MAY – Iconic Flower Festival
April 30 – May 24, 2026: Funchal transforms into a vibrant floral masterpiece.
Main attractions:
Wall of Hope (May 2) – children decorate the city with flowers.
Grand Parade (May 3) – floats, music, and thousands of flowers.
Flower market – along Avenida Arriaga with artworks and handicrafts.
Local attractions:
Participate in flower arranging workshops.
Try traditional Madeira cakes and honey rum.
Explore the tropical gardens of Monte Palace.
JUNE – fireworks, music, and the start of summer
Atlantic Festival (June 5-28) is one of the most beautiful spectacles in Madeira. Every Saturday evening, fireworks synchronized with music light up the Funchal bay.
Best views: see our apartments with views of the Funchal harbor.
Don't miss:
Weekly pyromusical competitions.
Outdoor concerts, culinary festivals, and light shows.
Santos Populares – lively neighborhood parties celebrating St. Anthony, St. John, and St. Peter, featuring grilled sardines and wine..
Tip for travelers: The first two weeks of June are the best time for whale watching and diving.
Planning a trip to Madeira in 2026 and looking for the perfect place to stay?
JULY – jazz, culture, and fun on the coast
July is full of rhythm and sunshine.
Main event:
Funchal Jazz Festival (to be confirmed) – international performers and night sessions in Parque de Santa Catarina.
Other events:
NOS Summer Opening (to be confirmed) – a music festival for youth.
Classics at Magnólia (July 25-26) – an elegant exhibition of classic cars.
Beaches: Praia Formosa and Calheta offer ideal swimming conditions.
AUGUST – Rally, sun, and sea
August is a month full of excitement and sunshine.
Events:
Madeira Wine Rally (to be confirmed) – mountain roads echo with the roar of engines and cheers from fans.
Local summer markets in coastal villages.
Days at the beach and diving trips.
Tip: The Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (August 15) is an opportunity to see fireworks and traditional culinary festivals across the island.
SEPTEMBER – Wine, harvest, and heritage
Madeira Wine Festival (August 27 – September 13) celebrates the centuries-old winemaking tradition of the island.
Attractions:
Grape pressing, outdoor tastings, and folk performances in Câmara de Lobos.
Guided tours to vineyards and the Madeira Wine Institute.
Columbus Festival (mid-September) in Porto Santo – historical parades and sailing displays.
OCTOBER – Adventure and Nature Festival
Madeira Nature Festival (TBC) promotes outdoor adventures and ecotourism.
Attractions include:
Paragliding, canyoning, hiking, trail running.
Photography contests and ecological workshops.
Best for: active travelers and nature lovers.
NOVEMBER – Chestnuts and cultural warmth
Festa da Castanha in Curral das Freiras is a celebration of the chestnut harvest.
Main attractions:
Roasted chestnuts, poncha, music, and dance.
Scenic mountain roads and the hospitality of village residents.
This month also features the Madeira Dig Festival – a festival of digital art and music combining sound and visual innovations.
DECEMBER – festive lights and world-famous fireworks.
The holiday season in Madeira is one of the most enchanting in Europe.
Main attractions:
Christmas illuminations: the beginning of December.
Night market (December 23) – the streets of Funchal come alive with music and food.
Christmas village on Avenida Arriaga.
New Year's fireworks (December 31) – a display worthy of the Guinness World Records lights up the bay.
Beginning of January 2027: Three Kings' singing (January 5) symbolizes the joyful end of the season.
Travel and accommodation tips
Book tickets for carnival, flower, wine, and Christmas events in advance.
During major festivals in Funchal, move around on foot or by taxi due to closed roads.
Dress comfortably: the weather is mild year-round, but can change quickly at higher altitudes.
Add event information to welcome packages for guests if you host guests via Madeira.com.pl.
Local fairs and hidden traditions
Throughout the year, the calendar is filled with smaller rural celebrations:
Festa da Lapa (Paul do Mar) – seafood and local handicrafts.
Festa da Banana (Madalena do Mar) – a celebration of local banana harvests.
Festa do Peixe Espada Preto (Câmara de Lobos) – a festival of black swordfish with music and cuisine.
These community events are a window into authentic life in Madeira – full of generosity, laughter, and song.
Month by month summary
- January – Three Kings' Day, hiking, whale watching.
- February – Carnival, Anona Festival.
- March – Blooming flowers and markets.
- April – MIUT Ultra-Trail, Easter.
- May – Flower Festival and Classic Car Revival.
- June – Atlantic Festival, Santos Populares.
- July – Jazz Festival, Opening of the Summer Season.
- August – Rally, beaches, parish festivals.
- September – Wine Festival, Columbus Festival.
- October – Nature Festival, mountain hiking.
- November – Chestnut Festival, Madeira Dig.
- December – Christmas and New Year's fireworks.
Planning a trip to Madeira in 2026 and looking for the perfect place to stay?
Events in Madeira 2026, 2027, 2028 – Events and Festivals Calendar
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