As one of Europe’s most captivating destinations, Madeira offers a vibrant calendar of year-round events. From lively celebrations of tradition and culture to nature festivals showcasing the island’s stunning beauty, Madeira’s events are a must for travelers seeking an unforgettable experience. Below, Visit Madeira highlights the top annual festivals and events for travelers planning to visit in 2025.
Madeira’s Carnival
When: February 26 to March 9
One of Madeira’s most spectacular celebrations, Carnival transforms the island into a lively kaleidoscope of colour, music and dance for two weeks of festivities every February. The streets of Funchal come alive with dazzling parades featuring elaborate costumes, samba rhythms and infectious energy. The highlight is the Grand Allegoric Carnival Parade on Saturday evening and the iconic Slapstick Parade, with comedy and satire as its main ingredients. For more information, visit: https://eventsmadeira.com/en/event/carnival/
Flower Festival
When: May 1 to May 25
A highlight of the spring season and arguably the archipelago’s most colorful event, the Flower Festival is a celebration of Madeira’s vibrant flora and natural beauty. The festival transforms Funchal into a blooming spectacle with impressive floral displays and captivating street parades. This annual event is a true feast for the senses, offering a unique opportunity to experience Madeira’s rich horticultural heritage and festive spirit. Notable events include the Wall of Hope Ceremony, where children are invited to place a flower in a symbolic appeal for peace, and the Great Allegoric Flower Parade, featuring over a thousand participants. For more details, visit: https://eventsmadeira.com/en/event/flower-festival-2/
Atlantic Festival
When: June 6 to June 29
June in Madeira brings the unforgettable Atlantic Festival, a month-long celebration featuring world-class fireworks, music and cultural performances. The highlight is the extraordinary pyromusical show, which takes place every Saturday in June, set to music and lighting up the Funchal skyline in one of the most impressive shows in Europe. Throughout the month, visitors can enjoy musical concerts, traditional performances and spectacular visual displays. More information here: https://eventsmadeira.com/en/event/atlantic-festival/
Classics at Magnolia
When: July 26 and July 27
Classics at Magnolia takes place in the beautiful gardens of Quinta Magnólia on the last weekend of July. This event celebrates the region’s finest-preserved classic cars, some of which are over 100 years old. Visitors can enjoy the unique experience of period-dressed extras recreating the atmosphere of the early 20th century. A list of participating vehicles will be available closer to the event. For more information, visit: https://eventsmadeira.com/en/event/classics-at-magnolia/
Wine Festival
When: August 24 to September 24
Held at the end of summer during the grape harvest season, Madeira’s Wine Festival celebrates the island’s rich viticultural history and the internationally renowned wines produced in the archipelago. The Madeira Wine Lounge is set up in Praça do Povo in Funchal, recreating a cosmopolitan and contemporary environment associated with wine consumption through thematic dinners inspired by the flavors and wines of each producing municipality. Visitors can also enjoy wine tastings and guided vineyard tours around the island, gaining insight into the island’s centuries-old winemaking traditions while immersing themselves in a festive atmosphere and savoring Madeira’s distinctive flavors. For more information, visit: https://eventsmadeira.com/en/event/wine-festival/
Columbus Festival
When: September 18 to September 21
The Columbus Festival is held annually in September on Porto Santo Island and celebrates the Age of Discoveries and the island’s connection to the legendary explorer Christopher Columbus. This historical event transports visitors to the 15th century with parades, reenactments and traditional music. The festival features both locals and visitors dressed in period costumes, recreating scenes from Columbus’s time, while the streets come alive with medieval markets, crafts and vibrant performances. More information is available here: https://eventsmadeira.com/en/event/columbus-festival-2/
Nature Festival
When: October 7 to October 12
The Nature Festival in Madeira celebrates the island’s stunning natural landscapes and biodiversity. Visitors can explore the UNESCO-recognised Laurel Forest, a World Heritage site since 1999, through various outdoor activities, including guided hikes, birdwatching and nature workshops. The festival is designed for participants of all ages, offering a unique opportunity to experience the island’s rich flora and fauna while promoting environmental awareness and conservation. More information here: https://eventsmadeira.com/en/event/nature-festival/
Christmas and New Year Festivities
When: December 1, 2025, to January 7, 2026
The festive season in Madeira is a month-long celebration starting on December 1st, featuring daily performances in Funchal at the Christmas Market, ethnographic exhibitions, Christmas lights and nativity scenes displayed across the island. Additionally, the Guinness-recognised New Year fireworks show lasts around eight minutes and is displayed across 59 locations. The full event calendar will be published closer to the date here: https://eventsmadeira.com/en/event/christmas-and-newyears-eve-festivities/
