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.