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Madeira Carnival 2026 • Insider Traditions & Events

Madeira Carnival 2026 • Insider Traditions & Events

Madeira Carnival 2026 • Insider Traditions & Events

🎭 The Deep Guide

Madeira Carnival 2026 • Insider Traditions & Events

Feb 11th – Feb 22nd
🔥 The Build-Up & Traditions
Tradition“Assaltos de Carnaval”

What is it? A “house raid” tradition. Friends gather and “attack” a friend’s house in masks to demand food and drink. It happens in the weeks leading up to the main weekend. If you are invited to an “Assalto,” say yes—it’s the most authentic experience you can have!

Feb 13Children’s & Solidarity Parade

Time: 11:00 AM (Friday Morning)
Location: Avenida Arriaga to the Cathedral.

Often missed by tourists who sleep late! Over 1,000 children from local schools parade in homemade costumes. It is heartwarming, safe, and great for families.

Feb 6 & 13Theme Nights: Hippies & Travestis

Nightlife Guide: The Fridays leading up to Carnival are legendary in Funchal’s nightlife (especially at clubs like Vespas or Copacabana).

  • Noite dos Travestis: A massive tradition where men dress as women and vice versa.
  • Hippie Night: The city travels back to the 60s/70s. Flower power rules the “Placa Central”.
🌟 The Main Spectacles
Feb 14THE BIG ONE: Allegoric Parade

Time: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Location: Avenida do Mar

1,500 performers, 14 massive samba schools, and floats that rival Rio. This is the main reason to be here.

🚕 Transport Tip: Roads close at 6:00 PM. If you need a car rental to get around the island before the chaos starts, This is Madeira Island is the top choice.
Feb 16-22“Carnaval das Avenidas” Catwalks

Time: Daily at 20:00 & 21:00
Location: Avenida Arriaga Central Walkway

Did you know? The costumes don’t just disappear after Saturday. Daily “Catwalk” shows take place in the city center where you can see the dancers up close and take photos with them.

💀 The “Secret” Finale
Feb 17Cortejo Trapalhão (Fun Parade)

Time: 4:00 PM (Tuesday)

The “People’s Parade.” No expensive costumes required. It is satire, comedy, and political mockery. You can sign up to join, or just watch the chaos from the sidewalk.

Feb 21Enterro do Osso (Bone Burial)

Location: Various (often Caniço or Vespas Club)

The “hangover” party happens the Saturday after Carnival. Known as the “Burial of the Bone,” it is the final goodbye to the festivities before Lent truly settles in. It’s a local favorite!

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