All posts filed under: Events & Festivals

The L nights are back to Ponta do Sol!

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 …

7 Fun New Year Superstitions in Madeira

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 …

5 Nativity Scenes of Christmas in Madeira you’ll love…

“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

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 …

New Year’s Festival in Dublin

New Year’s Festival 2015 was celebrated in DUBLIN. I was looking for something different, a new destination to explore and different ways to celebrate the new year. I wanted a place where the new year festivities weren’t just about the midnight countdown and fireworks in the skies. Seen that, been there. I was looking for something special, something that inspired me to start the new year with a purpose. I found it in Dublin. Dublin is, not only a beautiful city with nice cozy bars, amazing live music performances and friendly people, but also a truly inspirational city through its history, innovation and the way it captures your emotional state. I must say that attending some of the events included in the Dublin New Years festivities, such as the poetry slam and Resolution Day, changed my awareness of mental health. To Make mental health a priority, became my new resolution for 2016. What’s New Year festivities got to do with it? In Dublin the local associations are working in close proximity with the organizers of …

NYE in Madeira

There are 2 events in this season, which are special to me. The São Silvestre race / marathon on the 28th and the Firework on the 31st. São Silvestre Race – December 28th It’s cold, but there are about 2000 people in tshirt and shorts on Avenida do Mar in Funchal. It’s December 28th. The year is coming to an end and the famous race is about to begin. Of all ages and sizes, amateur or not, they join on this day for a return to the city. It’s 7 pm. There are 3 days left to start a new year, a new stage, an arrival and a departure for a new challenge where anything can happen. Tourists, locals and athletes are encouraged at the finish line. We hear clapping, music and the buzz of anticipation of what is to come. What matters is not to win, to participate and to get to the finish line … is not that a good motto for 2014? 31st of December The last day of the year, begins …

10 fotos do Natal Madeirense / 10 Xmas traditions in Madeira

Adoro o Natal, admito. Poder partilhá-lo com aqueles que mais gosto é um luxo, um verdadeiro prazer. Gosto de ver as luzes, dos presépios, da carne de vinho e alhos,  de ver “Música no Coração” na tv, com a família à volta, pela milésima vez…da noite do mercado com os amigos, das missas do parto… Por isso, para mim, Natal que é Natal, tem que ser aqui, na Madeira. Com fotografias, canções, vivências, recordacoes, sentimentos e sabores, partilho alguns momentos do Natal 2013. 1.Ver as luzes! / Look at the Xmas Lights Assim que anunciavam o acender das luzes na cidade, metíamo-nos todos no carro, e íamos vê-las. Eu e os meus 2 irmãos, o meu pai e a minha mãe, em silêncio ou com a música que o rádio tocava por entre ahs! e lindo! dávamos voltas na cidade. Começava assim o encanto do natal. Este ano não foi exceção. 2. Decorações de Natal /Xmas decorations  Árvore, presépio, searinhas, lapinha, azevinho, sapatinhos, velas, luzes de exterior, sem esquecer o Pai Natal que trepa à chaminé pela escada… Na …