Madeira Nature Festival
Discover the natural beauty of Madeira at the Madeira Nature Festival, a recent addition to the island’s annual events calendar. The dynamic programme offers insights into Madeira’s natural and cultural heritage, along with a variety of adventurous activities for all ages, from paragliding over the mountains to sailing the deep blue Atlantic.
ULTRA MADEIRA – Ponta do Pargo to Machico
Ultra Madeira is a competitive race across the island, organised by the “Associação de Atletismo da Madeira”. This challenging race starts at the Lighthouse Ponta do Pargo and ends in Machico.
Lord of Miracles Festival, Machico – 8-9 October
On 9th October 1803, flash floods tragically swept over 600 people out to sea in Madeira. As the floods ravaged the south of the island, the small chapel in Machico was destroyed, along with the statue of ‘Our Lord of Miracles’. Miraculously, the statue was found three days later and moved to the Sé Cathedral for safety. After the chapel was rebuilt in 1813, the statue was returned to its original home. Each year, this two-day festival attracts pilgrims and visitors from all over the island to honour ‘Our Lord of Miracles’ with spiritual and religious candlelit processions and ceremonies at the Igreja Matriz de Machico.
Mountain Bike Madeira Meeting – Porto Moniz
The Mountain Bike Madeira Meeting unfolds along the breathtaking North Coast of Porto Moniz. This event aims to promote mountain biking and showcase Madeira Island’s scenic wonders. Participants can immerse themselves in exhilarating mountain biking adventures on various trails, each offering stunning vistas. The week-long programme includes trail experiences, water sports, educational workshops, and social gatherings. The grand finale features the thrilling Madeira Enduro Series.
Festa da Maçã – Camacha
This Apple Festival in the rural parish of Camacha features an exhibition and street parade, celebrated for its variety of colours and aromas. Don’t forget to sample some freshly-squeezed apple cider.
Sea and Fisherman Fair – Caniçal
Caniçal hosts the annual Sea and Fishermen’s Fair, a delightful event combining recreation, gastronomy, traditional food and drinks, and entertainment. This fair highlights the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the local area, focusing on sea-related activities. Visitors can enjoy a wide array of traditional dishes and beverages while being entertained.
Madeira Organ Festival
Part of the island’s cultural festivals, the Madeira Organ Festival celebrates the enduring music of the Portuguese organ. Recitals are held every evening for 10 days in October in some of Madeira’s most beautiful churches, featuring restored organs from Portugal, Italy, and England. These dramatic recitals are accompanied by chamber groups, classical musicians, and solo performers.
Madeira Canyoning Meeting
Madeira is quickly becoming the canyoning mecca of Europe, thanks to its steep topography, dramatic landscapes, and abundant waterfalls. This international event, organised by the Federação de Campismo e Montanhismo de Portugal (FCMP), promotes environmental preservation and encourages active tourism. Canyoning in Madeira offers a unique way to explore the island’s hidden treasures.
Madeira Film Festival
The Madeira Film Festival is a non-competitive festival that awards filmmakers the ‘Laurissilva Ambassador’ prize to raise awareness of ecological preservation, particularly of the Laurissilva forest. Held at Belmond Reid’s Palace Hotel and Teatro Municipal Baltazar Dias in Funchal, this festival features films, lectures, musical concerts, workshops, and fashion shows. Created in 2012 by Scottish director Aitken Pearson, it is the island’s main annual film event and plays an important role in the national film festival scene.
European Triathlon Cup
The European Triathlon Cup and the Portuguese Triathlon Cup are organised by the Regional Triathlon Association of Madeira and the Triathlon Federation of Portugal. This tough and demanding event comprises running, swimming, and cycling, requiring competitors to be at peak physical fitness. The events include a 1500m swim, a 40km cycle, and a 10km road race around Funchal, attracting numerous local, national, and international competitors.
Eco Trail Funchal Madeira Island
The Eco Trail competition is one of the toughest and most demanding courses in Europe, attracting competitors from around the world. Participants compete in 80km, 40km, 25km, and 15km races. Created in 2007 in Paris, the event now encompasses towns, mountains, forests, and oceans, providing a stunning competition backdrop.
Rally Madeira Legend
Get ready for a thrilling automotive spectacle at the Rally Madeira Legend from 26th to 28th October. This rally celebrates automotive history, featuring Historic, Spirit, and Legend Show vehicles. It’s a nostalgic journey back to the early days of the “Madeira Wine Rally”. Whether you’re a car enthusiast or seeking excitement, the 2023 Madeira Legends Rally promises a thrilling experience.
Madeira Fashion (Moda Madeira)
Madeira Fashion “Moda Madeira” is a November event organised by the Madeira Young Entrepreneurs Association (AJEM) to promote the regional fashion industry and historical Madeiran hand embroidery. The event features a competition for young Madeiran stylists and includes participation from well-known stylists from Madeira, mainland Portugal, the Azores, the Canary Islands, and Cape Verde.
Happy Halloween – 31 October
Halloween is also celebrated on Madeira. Kids dress up in costumes, get their faces painted, and go trick-or-treating from store to store in shopping centres. Madeira Magic Park organises a Halloween party for kids, and bars and nightclubs throughout the city host Halloween parties.
Discover Madeira with Girassol.Rent Car Hire
While enjoying the exciting events on Madeira Island in October 2024, ensure you have a reliable and comfortable mode of transportation. Girassol.Rent Car Hire offers a wide range of vehicles to suit your needs, whether you’re looking for a compact car to navigate narrow streets or a spacious SUV for mountain adventures. With competitive prices and excellent customer service, you can focus on experiencing Madeira’s events and attractions with ease. Book your car rental with Girassol.Rent today and embark on an unforgettable journey around Madeira Island.