Floral species originating in many parts of the world bloom in Madeira, as the island meets specific climatic conditions that allow species from both tropical and cold regions to flourish.
The Flower Festival is a tribute to spring, and the celebration of metamorphosis
and rebirth, fertility and the abundance of the flowers that colour, perfume and
inebriate the surrounding environment and that give value and take the good name
of this tourist destination across borders. Find out more about what to expect
from the Madeira Flower Festival:
Saturday
On Saturday morning the Children's Parade takes place, in which hundreds of
children, dressed for the occasion, parade to Praça do Município to build a
beautiful flower mural symbolically named “Wall of Hope”.
This initiative, which has been held for over three decades, combines childhood
innocence and the delicacy of flowers in a ceremony calling for peace in the
world. Each child takes a flower and the ceremony usually culminates with a
release of doves and a children's show.
Friday to Sunday
On Sunday afternoon, the streets of Funchal city centre are once again filled
with music, colour and soft aromas, with the sumptuous float parade, which
harmoniously combines numerous floral species with blooming decorations full of
creativity. The Flower Festival Float Parade, held since 1979, is one of the
most striking and eagerly anticipated events of the entire festival, for
tourists and residents alike. This event is known for the magnificence and
splendour of the floats and costumes of the hundreds of participants, mostly
children, richly adorned with numerous, varied and magnificent floral species,
parading along a planned route to the sound of festive musical themes and
performing both simple and elaborate choreographies.
The Flower Festival is also a cultural event. Tradition is particularly
associated with the event, whether through the performances of folk groups, or
through the construction of the beautiful floral carpets. At the same time,
homage is paid to flowers at the magnificent Flower Exhibition and the city is
animated with music concerts and variety shows.
Other initiatives that are included on the schedule:
Flower Market
The flower market contributes to raise public awareness to the countless
ornamental and floral species on the island. Visitors and locals can buy them in
a picturesque setting.
Flower Exhibition and Workshops
The Flower Exhibition is held in the centre of Funchal, at Praça do Povo. This
exhibition is an extension of the exhibit held at the former Ateneu Comercial of
Funchal. This unique flower display shows the finest flowers grown with much
care and devotion, all around Madeira. The flowers in display are judged under
various categories and the best are awarded prizes by a panel of experts.
In addition the Praça do Povo will also be the centre stage of several workshops
and crafts exhibits.
Flower Carpets and Decorations
The abundance of Madeiran flora has greatly contributed to the establishing of
this art form. This traditional creation of flower carpets thrives a little bit
throughout the island and had its origins in the decoration of religious
processions. Due to its undeniable beauty and detail, for the past several
years, the flower carpets have been reproduced on the streets for the Flower
Festival, establishing alongside the floral sculptures, a major contribution to
the magnificence of the city’s decorations, as their careful construction is
shared and admired by visiting tourists. These wonderful pieces of floral art
are displayed in the central walkways of Avenida Arriaga.
Madeira Auto Parade
The “Madeira Auto Parade" is an exclusive event that integrates for the first
time the Flower Festival festivities. Organized by the Association "The Classic
Motor Exhibition" - ACME and the Clube Carocha da Madeira, this enterprise
intends to join both the glamour of classic vehicles and motorcycles, alongside
with the flowers of Madeira, incorporating one of the largest exhibitions, and
national restoration and elegance contests, an opportunity to admire some of the
best vehicles and auto parts, which will be on display at Avenida Francisco Sá
Carneiro.
The vehicles registered in this parade, will circulate in pairs, an exhibition
that will promote moments of pure entertainment, colour and beauty promoted by
various musical bands and extras, dressed in costumes inspired by the flowers of
Madeira.