New Year
On New Year's Eve there are numerous cruise ships in the port of Funchal. In the evening, many small stalls with food and drinks are set up in the streets of the city. Madeira welcomes the New Year with its unique fireworks.
Fireworks are being launched all over Funchal at the same time. It is an overwhelming splendor of color in the sky. This fireworks display is one of the most beautiful and largest in Europe.
Fireworks are being launched all over Funchal at the same time. It is an overwhelming splendor of color in the sky. This fireworks display is one of the most beautiful and largest in Europe.
According to a Portuguese custom, 12 raisins are eaten at midnight, for each month of the new year they have a meaning: happiness, love, health, peace, prosperity, . . .
Did you know?
Funchal
The capital Funchal is located on the southern coast of Madeira. The approximately 120,000 inhabitants are spread out into the mountains.
50% of all inhabitants of Madeira live in Funchal!
The runway of the airport was until 2000 so short that jets could start only half refueled and had to land in Porto Santo after 10 minutes flying time. The extension from 1.6 km to 3 km rests on concrete stilts and is referred to in Madeira as Millennium building.
Under the runway there is a sports park. The aircraft noise is barely audible there.