Christmas in Madeira Island has a special charm for Madeira that is simply like no other.

The “Feast Day” is related to the island traditions in every sense of the word.

People from Madeira usually use the expressions “for the Feast”, “the pork for the Feast”, “the Feast month”, “after the Feast”, taking as reference the date adopted for the celebration of the birth of Jesus.

It’s a season full of traditions stemming from the ethnography and folklore of the island, revealing the “historical” side of the Madeiran soul. Even today, these traditions perpetuate themselves through time!

Here are some of the Christmas traditions in Madeira Island, although it is ideal to see with your own eyes how wonderful it is to be here at this time of year.

Christmas Lights

Christmas lights switch-on takes place on December 1st in Funchal.

Thousands of lights glow on Christmas displays in this beautiful island’s streets, buildings, gardens, and mountains.

Be amazed by this attraction’s creativity, harmony, and vibrant colors in Madeira. Here are some images to light up your curiosity.

Childbirth and Midnight Masses

Masses of childbirth are among the most remarkable events of Madeiran Christmas. From the 16th to the 24th of December, 9 masses of childbirth are celebrated, representing the 9 months of pregnancy of the Virgin Mary.

These masses occur at dawn, accompanied by songs of devotion and praise to the Virgin Mary.

They remain a symbol of union with the local community. Once the mass ends, the celebration continues in the churchyard with Christmas songs, food, and drinks.

Christmas Mass is celebrated at midnight on December 24. Inside local churches, vows of hope and peace are renewed with the birth of Jesus.

After the mass, families and friends gather in private homes or hotels to celebrate this special evening and exchange Christmas gifts.

in https://www.madeirafoodonfoot.com/