Ponta do Sol already has its Christmas lights up. The decorations along the seafront and beyond give a unique Christmas spirit to the town where, just yesterday and due to the good weather, several people went for a swim, a fact we witnessed that must have been repeated today. In fact, it was just two days ago that the traditional Christmas lights came on, with the opening of the “Vila Natal 2023” event. Christmas imagery refers to snow, but Ponta do Sol lives up to its name.

On the opening day, visitors enjoyed the Carvalhal Singing Group performance on Avenida 1.º de Maio.

“The Christmas season in Ponta do Sol is always full of magic, tradition and festivity. With the switching on of the traditional Christmas ‘lights’, around 200,000 of them, the town is transformed into an authentic living nativity scene, appealing to the local population and visitors alike,” says the Câmara.

“Along the streets, the traditional Christmas effects reveal a little of the history and traditions of Ponta do Sol and, in truth, of the whole island. In an explosion of colors, it brings the town’s Christmas nights to life”, continues the allusive communiqué.

There are many traditional nativity scenes to visit. The council insists that this is a Madeiran tradition that Ponta do Sol has preserved and promoted over the last few editions of Vila Natal.

The town of Ponta do Sol becomes “an authentic living nativity scene, appealing to residents and visitors alike. A must-see for traditional Christmas excursions”.

“Between December 7, 2023 and January 7, 2024, visit the decorations in the town and parishes of Ponta do Sol and ‘let yourself be enchanted by the magic of Christmas,'” challenges CMPS.

in Funchal News

Translated to English as a community outreach program from the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Cultures Department (MCLL) as part of Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance)  at California State University, Fresno