Christmas traditions in Madeira - Portugal
Christmas in Madeira is so special that this season is called "The feast". There is a special Christmas lightning all over the island, from the beginning of December until January.
There are Christmas Decorations inside the houses and also outside with: Madeiran Lapinha (in staircase); "Rochinha" (Rock-Shaped) that depict the nativity scenes but also Madeiran culture and traditions. There are also Christmas Trees.
A special tradition from Madeira is the Childbirth Masses that start 9 days before Christmas: from the 15th to 23rd December. Friends and neighbours join together singing in honour of the Virgin Mary, and go to the mass at 6 o´clock in the morning. After the mass, people have a hot cocoa and a sandwich, some cookies or cake and lots of singing.
There are some special days related to this season. One is the Market Night originally in Funchal o the 23rd December. These days there are Market nights in other municipalities of the Island. This was the day to buy fresh fruit and vegetables for Christmas, now is also time for food and drinks specially sandwiches of"pork with wine and garlic", and for Christmas Carols.
On Christmas Evening on the 24thDecember, there is "Midnight" Mass and Christmas Play at church and family dinner with the exchange or opening of Presents.
Christmas school holidays are ± 2 weeks. They start between the 15th (2018) and the 18th December (2015) and they finish the 2ndof January.
On Christmas Day,the 25th December is time for meeting the family, having lunch and dinner together, playinggames and opening or exchanging presents.
The 26th December is for family and friends again: going to the movies, the circus, the amusement park, or shopping.
Christmas school holidays are ± 2 weeks. They start between the 15th (2018) and the 18th December (2015) and they finish the 2ndof January.
The 31st December,New Year's Eve,is the highlight of the season in Madeira. People have dinner and go to see fireworks at Funchal's Bay. Thousands of tourists come to spend a few days in Madeira and assist to the fireworks. Several cruise ships stop at the bay to assist to this magnificent show.
From the 5th to 6th January is time to sing again "The Kings". People go from house to house singing.
Special food for Christmas is:Carne de VinhaD'Alhos "Pork with garlic and wine", turkey, codfish, chicken, chicken soup, cookies, desserts, cakes and homemade bread. Special drinks: hot cocoa and liquors.
Christmas school holidays are ± 2 weeks. They start between the 15th (2018) and the 18th December (2015) and they finish the 2ndof January.