Experience Madeira’s Festa dos Compadres: Your Guide to Carnival Fun with Girassol Rent a Car
From February 20th to 27th, the charming municipality of Santana will host the annual Festa dos Compadres, officially kicking off the lively Carnival festivities in Madeira. With over 150 years of history, this vibrant event is celebrated with great enthusiasm by both locals and visitors alike.
The Festa dos Compadres showcases a unique social satire rooted in the saying “zangam-se as comadres, descobrem-se as verdades,” where humorous revelations of the year’s mishaps take centre stage. The Ethnographic Procession through the picturesque streets of Santana and the public trial known as “the sentence” are among the festival’s most iconic highlights.
This one-of-a-kind celebration features a colourful parade of giant figures that fill the streets with joy and laughter. A significant moment is the symbolic trial of the compadres, culminating in their traditional burning—a whimsical end that adds folklore charm and fun to the festivities.
To fully immerse yourself in this joyful tradition and explore all that Madeira has to offer during this carnival season, renting a car is your best option. Girassol Rent a Car provides convenient access to not only Santana but also many other breathtaking sites across the island.
We invite you to visit Santana and partake in one of Madeira’s most cherished events—the Festa dos Compadres—and make unforgettable memories during your stay!