Here are a few suggestions of viewpoints where you can get (for free), a nice perpective of Funchal fireworks!

The L Concerts return to Estalagem da Ponta do Sol! This Independent Music Festival officially started ten years ago, although, well before that, small concerts were already held. Personally, I remember with great joy the gigs I had the opportunity to attend. I love the ambience … the worship, the relaxation and the sound that echoes in the wind, the sea and the perfect amphitheatre that is the Ponta do Sol. Why should you go to these concerts? Nuno Barcelos, responsible for this festival, gave us the answers:   L. L Concerts Why? The name Concertos L appeared from an existing concept in the Estalagem da Ponta do Sol, the L – Community (community of members of the inn). L comes from Lifestyle, Leisure, among others … What do you like most about this Festival? The artistic freedom, its public and the place… Not depending on brands, sponsorships or fashions, allows you to create a schedule free of pressures of any kind, and bring something different and innovative… The audience, because we have the best …

If I was spending New Year’s Eve in Madeira for the first time, I would be very excited… Why? I can mention the award-winning firework display, the joyful locals, the beauty of Funchal’s bay, the magnificent cruise ships by the harbour, the Christmas lights, the after-parties, the music concerts and so on…but it’s something that is so unique that no words can make justice to what you experience in Madeira. You have to come and see it for yourself. To help you get prepared for this evening, I thought I’d share with you some fun superstitions about this evening. Some of them you might have heard before, others not. If you do come to Madeira on New Years, here are a couple of things you can see and try… Turn on the lights of your home and open all the windows. I remember ever since I was a little girl, my mum always had this ritual. She said it would make the bay of Funchal look even prettier and it would welcome the new year …

“Nowhere in the world, perhaps, celebrate and enjoy Xmas so much, and feel for it as much enthusiasm and joy as in Madeira. These are days of lively rejoicing, of  religious and mystical contentment. ” Manuel Ribeiro I’ve just came back from Costa Brava last week and it was a great pleasure to arrive in Madeira and to feel Christmas all around. We call it “Festa” since this is “the true party” for the Madeirans. I went through the avenues of Arriaga Avenue, cheered up with the Christmas lights (which I love), listened to live music performances, went to the market to eat bread with” wine and garlic meat”, tasted liqueurs and cherry from the Nun’s Valley plus the typical sugar cane honey cake. I was well accompanied by the euphoria of Christmas, the one that we drink, eat and breath in this island…celebration is everywhere. This year, I also paid special attention to the nativity scenes or “lapinhas” “that link the religious traditions of Christmas to local life and nature”. There were 5 in total, …

Where to find live music & festivals in Funchal Although Funchal is not the typical cosmopolitan city where you can easily find a music gig happening every night, I have compiled a list of my favourite live music bars and Summer Festivals. Whenever I go travelling I enjoy discovering hidden bars and local bands. It allows me to experience the city as a local while sharing an authentic experience. There’s something about a good live music performance that makes me feel very happy and living in the present. All my darkest memories vanish. I’m just there healing through rhythms… One of the highlights of my summer in Madeira was attending the Music Festival Nos Summer Opening in Funchal.   Plus I got the chance to meet and listen to the amazing voice of Skye Edwards! Morcheeba songs accompanied me since my days in the University in Lisbon so whenever I listen to those warm psychedelic tunes I feel those good vibes coming back. I love the mellow sounds and the wise lyrics accompanied by the most …