Madeira Region

Bam! Fireworks display tradition in Madeira comes from the 17th century?

Tuesday, 27 December 2011 00:00

It’s true! Already at this time, the passage of year was indicated by bonfires, which were lit and that accentuated the vibrancy of Madeireans' homes. Later on, in the 18th century, the residing British community introduced rocket fire to signal the New Year's beginning.  A century later, a Madeirean banker – João José Rodrigues Leitão – chose to recreate this tradition and the truth is, from then on, wealthy families from the island competed among each others in the rocket launch, promoting a fireworks spectacle which range spread from the higher city areas. This firework display, already at the time, provided the perfect excuse to extend all night long celebrations taking place in the ballrooms. Over the years this show continued to grow, finding more supporters, until in 2006 it was internationally recognized by “The Guinness World of Records” as the “biggest fireworks display of the World”, which has not yet been overtaken.

Popular festivities: the “arraiais” in Madeira

Friday, 25 November 2011 00:00

The “arraiais” are popular festivities, usually of religious nature, that decorate the city center with countless lights and flowers, animated folk groups, brass bands and local music groups from the mainland. “Despiques”, a kind of improvised folk singing arrangement, are frequent among the pilgrims who come to pay homage to their patron saints. In these festivities you will have the chance to eat the local cuisine and drinks. Skewered beef on a laurel stick will be served to visitors, accompanied by typical bread (bolo do caco) and regional dry wine (“vinho seco”) or beer with carbonated orange juice. The most common festivities are Our Lady of Monte (Funchal), Our Lady of Loreto (Calheta), Our Lord of Miracles (Machico), Our Lady of Grace (Calheta), Our Lady of Health (Lameiros), The Holy Sacrament (São Vicente) and The Good Jesus (Ponta Delgada). On the island of Porto Santo these festivities exists as well. The Porto Santo celebrations highlight the Saint John’s and Our Lady of Grace festivities. Come and join one of our "arraiais” and enjoy the cultural uniqueness of the Portuguese traditions. For more information click here.

Madeira creates tourist blogs in the sea of social networking

Monday, 21 November 2011 00:00

Turismo da Madeira (Tourism of Madeira) has created English and German language blogs through the Madeira Promotion Association, to promote interaction and content sharing with visitors from the two largest sources for international tourism, Britain and Germany. Titled "Your Madeira" (www.YourMadeira.com in Britain and www.DeinMadeira.com in Germany), the blogs follow a communication strategy targeted to specific sectors - active, nature and well-being lovers, seeking diverse experiences, and that are able to travel at any time of year - through relevant and compelling content in the target audiences’ language. In addition to various homepage posts, one can find five themed videos produced specifically for this purpose, highlighting some of the attractions of Madeira. Additionally, the Facebook and Twitter accounts created for YourMadeira and DeinMadeira are also gaining momentum, and are accessible directly or through the blogs. In order to make use of all of Madeira’s online tools, the two blogs include links to the official Madeira tourism website (www.visitmadeira.pt), Madeira’s channel on YouTube, Flickr photos of Madeira, digital brochures of Madeira on Issuu, and the virtual tour website (www.Virtual.VisitMadeira.pt). To help spread the word of these new resources and promote Madeira as a year-round holiday destination, advertising campaigns and image ads will be set up on search engines and social websites (Google, Facebook, and YouTube) in the UK and Germany.

Four Views Oásis presents brand new renovation

Friday, 04 November 2011 00:00

The Four Views Hotel group recently opened its Four Views Oasis on July 18, 2011 in Madeira. Four Views Oasis was the target of a significant renovation, which brought a new face and heart to the unit by offering energy-saving, sustainable elements to its configuration. Solar-thermic water heaters, solar photovoltaic systems for electricity, water-saving mechanisms, LED lighting, and other innovations are included in the new design, as well as recycling and composting methods. Four Views Oasis has completely remodeled its 224 rooms, and has built a spa, the Atalaia Bistro, the Trattoria Calhaus, the Acquamarina and even a cocktail bar.

Reid’s Palace Highlights 120 Years with Special Edition Book

Wednesday, 19 October 2011 00:00

Reid's Palace, the famous five-star Madeira hotel, will release a book tomorrow honoring its 120 year anniversary, and marking the opening of its new photo gallery. A cocktail reception starting at 7pm will kick off the book launch and inauguration. The book was created in collaboration with The Most Famous Hotels in the World by Andreas and Carola Augusin, well-known authors dedicated to notable and historical hotels, not to mention their famous frequenters. The book details the interesting and memorable stays of VIPs such as Empress Sissi and Winston Churchill, as well as the history of the building, founded by William Reid. Opened in 1891, Reid's Palace is located near the center of Funchal, with 128 rooms and 35 suites, six seasonal restaurants, two bars, a tea terrace and lounge, four pools, a gym, tennis courts, spa, and other offerings.