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.

1,2,3…Partida!!!

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?

Um novo ano, uma nova meta…

31st of December

The last day of the year, begins with the arrival of the many ships that watch the passage of the year.

Walking through the streets of Funchal on this day is like walking through a multitude of different nationalities, it is as if a little of the world came to visit us.

Places and tourists walk the streets on a cheerful celebration towards midnight.

Porto do Funchal

The date lights change in the mountain, and the rockets explode in a show of light.
People shout Happy New Year, toasting to renewed hopes.
Raisins are eaten, and desires are wished; 12 grapes, 12 wishes.
We climb steps to grow up in life and keep money in our pockets just for luck.
Dressed in the best outfits, because the occasion deserves, the street lights and houses are light up, illuminating Funchal’s amphitheatre and making everything even more beautiful.

For about 10 minutes of fireworks, we were stunned, hugged, nostalgic and happy to see the year change in a synchronised show of rockets, from sea to mountain, culminating with cruise ships whistling in the farewell mode to a new destination.

Little Firework Movie: 20140106-002332.mov
The party continues through the night, until dawn … “and do not forget the sunglasses, is that when the night is over, we’ll all have breakfast at the marina” … good times 🙂

Happy New Year 2014!