The Columbus Festival was first held in 2000 with the aim of launching a quality cultural tourism offer on the island of Porto Santo. This year it will be held from 15th till 17th of September 2011.

The event is based around the historical figure of Christopher Columbus, who had close links with Madeira both as a sugar trader during the island’s sugar boom years and as the result of his marriage to Filipa de Moniz, the daughter of Isabel Moniz and Bartolomeu Perestrelo, the first Captain-Donatory of Porto Santo, and is held in tribute to the man who became a famous 15th century explorer.

In recent years, the festival has taken on the format of a historical recreation of everyday life in the 15th century, in particular in the period marked by Columbus’s time on the island, which enchants tourists and residents alike.

The programme includes a 15th century fair and supper, the landing of Christopher Columbus, a military detachment, a children’s area with Renaissance games, circus displays, plays, displays by groups of buccaneers and non-stop fun and entertainment including lots of music and European and oriental dances.

The local population and tourists are encouraged to take the part of characters in the festival and period costumes are provided that give an authentic feel to the event.

There are other side attractions taking place simultaneously, including regional gastronomy, crafts and other activities adding to the general bustle amid the historical figures.

Source: Madeira Turismo

This festival needs a better disclosure. Write the dates down in your agenda and visit Porto Santo on those days. It is worth it!

The Madeira Islands with their eternal spring are the perfect golf destination all year round. Two different islands, three magnificent golf courses and a wide range of accommodation, leisure and wellness for all golfers.

Their golfing tradition goes back to 1937, when three British men, Miles, Leacock and Blandy, built the first nine-hole course.

In Madeira you have two courses to choose from, Palheiro Golf with its 18 holes and Clube de Golfe do Santo da Serra with 27, both set in outstandingly beautiful scenery.

In Porto Santo, 40 km from Madeira, try the 27-hole course designed by the famous golfer, Severiano Ballesteros. Porto Santo is different from its “mother island” and its 9 km of beach and crystal-clear waters are just the thing after a game.

The annual Madeira Open is the most important golf tournament in the Madeira Islands and is part of the European PGA.

The islands have the facilities they need to welcome golfers with all handicaps, including high-quality hotels, making the islands a paradise for golf lovers, who are bound to enjoy the challenge of each hole and the charm of the surrounding countryside.

Wherever you play, you know you can count on impeccable maintenance and fabulous views of the ocean, Funchal Bay, exotic flora or deep valleys.

Source: Madeira Tourism

Located in between the lido swimming pool and clubhouse Naval do Funchal (that was before Quinta Calaça), is the former Pier Wilson, now known as Cais do Carvão (Coal Wharf). The pier was built in 1903. From here many vapour-vessels passing were supplied with coal on their way through Funchal to America and Africa.

The importance of coal in the development of steam powered machines and the affirmation of Funchal as required warehouse to supply the vessels and operation of sugar mills, forced the assembly of infrastructure support. And so existed the deposits of coal, of which was known as the coal wharf, which was owned by the company Wilson & Co Ltd, where in 2004 the aquarium was build including the the Marine Biology Service Station.

Nowadays it is a forgotten monument, now and then visited by curious travelers and local fishermen. Still these elderly walls have withstand the most fierce storms during the last decades. While the newer walls of few marinas on Madeira have lost their battle against the mighty ocean … the walls of Cais do Carvão are still standing tall.

Those who says that “Madeira is just for oldies” have not yet discovered the real Madeira! On the other hand it could be that they are our loyal visitors that are saying this in order to keep this beloved destination a secret

Watch the promotional video of Rui Martins (RumaVideo) and make your own conclusion:

By the way … most the oldies are relaxing in the city … while others are on adventure elsewhere on the islands.

Relive the wonderful past of Madeira. A compilation of amateur short films (35mm, 16mm and 9.5mm) about Madeira. A private collection of Hugo Reis. See the trailer … (more…)

For those who have missed this year’s Madeira Carnaval Allegoric Parade … no problem
Watch the video footage captured by Rui Aguiar …. (more…)

Before the Carnival craziness starts … lets just show you quickly a few images of canyoning here on Madeira. (more…)

Even in black and white the beauty of Madeira is still breathtaking. (more…)

Machete (Braguinha) is characteristic instrument of Madeira Island. It is a small guitar with four gut strings that are tuned in thirds, with the exception of the two main strings, which have an interval of a fourth. This instrument is used by farmers at feasts and dance. The music is vulgar in a succession of simple chords, but in the hands of a gifted player, the machete is capable of much more pleasant harmonies, and strangers are sometimes pleasantly surprised to hear the music … in vogue played with considerable effect of an instrument that seems so insignificant. One or two farmers can often be seen on the field after a hard day of work … playing in their favorite instruments. (more…)

The Poncha is a drink originated in India, brought by the British, and adapted by Madeirans. The Indian name given to the drink, namely pãnch, was initially composed by five ingredients: Rice or nut coconut spirit, sugar, tea of fresh herbs, spices and water.

It is believed now that the Poncha has been experienced for the first time outside India, on Madeira Island in the middle of the eighteenth century by the English at that time, during their travels between these parts.

Throughout the nineteenth century the Poncha was a popular drink within the Madeira the more or less wealthy families on the island.

Today, the tradition of Poncha remains very much alive among us, on Madeira, and the instruments used to assist in preparation of these drinks, in essence has not changed much.

In Madeira, this drink was adapted to be used with honey, sugar cane spirit, lemon juice and lemon peel. The Poncha has become very popular due to the fact of being considered a good drink to heal the ills of the throat … has many other things …

When you are on Madeira …. experience a Poncha … and taste the Madeiran culture.

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