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.