The Madeira Atlantic Festival takes over the city of Funchal for the whole month of June. The festival, which traditionally launches the summer season in Madeira, consists of a set of initiatives. The absolute favourite is the musical pyrotechnic shows. Other celebrations within the Atlantic Festival are Regional Arts Week, Regional Bread Fair, Circus Shows, Summer Sunsets, and religious festivities, namely Saint Anthony's, Saint John's, and Saint Peter's feasts. The month of June in Madeira is too fun-packed to get bored!
Fireworks Displays
Spectacular fireworks fill the skies over Funchal every Saturday in June, starting at 10:30 pm. The pier outside Pontinha has been chosen as a lovely location for the breathtaking displays. Each pyrotechnic musical show invades the sky over the harbor for nearly 20 minutes and tries to outshine the others. The competition ends with the winner being traditionally awarded a trophy by the public vote.
Atlantic Roots Festival
Another component of the Atlantic Festival is a three-night Atlantic Roots Festival in mid-June. The festival aims at a more diverse and demanding audience and combines different genres and new musical trends. The first night features national music, the next one is dedicated to new trends such as Soul or Funk or Black Music.
Regional Arts Week
The annual Arts Week features various art installations and performances, supported by many local colleges and organizations. In particular, attendees can see the art experiments of thousands of students from local schools. The event also brings together local artists, showcasing their works on the streets of Funchal and during the Regional Exhibition of Artistic Expression. Artistic performances span various disciplines, like singing, theater, dance, instrumental music, and traditional Madeiran chordophones.
Regional Bread Fair
The Regional Bread Fair is held by the Funchal Lions Club to raise money for charity. The fair offers a diverse entertainment program by local folklore groups at Praça do Povo. Daily performances occur in the mornings and afternoons. However, the main reason to visit the fair is, of course, to sample an amazing variety of local homemade bread and pastries.
Festival of Popular Saints (Festa dos Santos Populares)
In June, Madeira celebrates three Saints: Saint John, Saint Anthony, and Saint Peter. The festivities feature a contest of the Altars to the patron Saint, held in Rua da Figueira Preta, Travessa dos Reis, Rua da Conceição, and Praça do Carmo. Other traditions include parades, jumping over bonfires, great food, and live music. In addition to Funchal, visitors can attend festivities in Ribeira Brava, Câmara de Lobos, and Calheta.
