The next few days you will hear some volcanic eruptions on the island. No I am just kidding …. you might hear the volcanic sounds of rally cars that will have their yearly encounter in one of the most popular sporting event here on Madeira …..

Madeira Wine Rally, Rali Vinho da Madeira, European Rally Championship, FPAK Portuguese Rally Championship,
Madeira “Coral” Rally Championship, International Rally Challenge

All names that refers to the 48th edition of the event that counts in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge (Round 5 of 9), the European Rally Championship (Round 7 of 10) and the Portuguese Rally Championship.

The challenge consists in a total length of 937km, including 285km divided into 19 stages.

The shakedown takes place on Wednesday August 1 (from 12h00 till 16h00).

The start ceremony takes place on Thursday August 2 from 17h30 in Funchal (Avenida Arriaga).

Furthermore ….. (more…)

I was hoping to find a lot of YouTube videos with film impressions of the latest International Fireworks Competition that took place at the Funchal marina (Madeira). But unfortunately not many have yet uploaded their videos.

Ah well …. I did not had my video camera with me, but only my Canon Power Shot S50 digital camera, with it I captured a few images on film. It was on the last Saturday of the competition when country Portugal was giving a great show. As Portugal was the organizing country it did not compete for the title, but gave only a performance.

Okay … I have the video … but now the Music. This time I have chosen one of my favourite music …. “Happy” from the Dutch rockband Intwine.

Check out the video at YouTube … for a “Happy Fireworks” show.
(more…)

(By Nina Chestney – Thomson Financial)

Brussels - The European Commission said it has approved tax reductions totaling 300 million euro until 2020 for companies setting up on the Portuguese island of Madeira between 2007 and 2013.

Madeira is a free trade zone, otherwise known as Zone Franca Da Madeira (ZFM).

The commission said the state aid is subject to the creation of jobs and there are strict safeguards as to its implementation.

Competition commissioner Neelie Kroes said: “The aid will contribute to attract investment and economic activity to Madeira, supporting cohesion in the EU and regional development in this outermost region.”
(more…)