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?
Poncha - Legende
Many years ago, according to a Poncha legend, there is supposed to have been a quarrel between a local and a Briton in Câmara de Lobos. A boxing match should decide the matter.
The Briton had prepared himself with a sip of whiskey, the Madeirens had his glass of poncha in the blood. A colossal fist punch made the British go down.
„What a punch, aaaah" he is said to have lamented after his revival, hence the name Poncha