In this category you will find posts about Madeira’s cultural heritage. This includes subjects about Madeira’s music, music instruments, folk dance, art scene and history, and several contributions about Madeira’s never ending festival calendar. We also have the official calendar for you.
Madeira Folklore: dancing is a central element of Madeira culture as well as music and singing. There are several dance style on Madeira, imported successively by the different ethnic groups calling Madeira their home. Madeira was an important port on much used nautical trade routes. Many stopped in Funchal and some stayed on… Origins of …
Ancient means of transportation around the Island of Madeira Every terrain has its specific means of transportation. Madeira’s abrupt and rough geography long dictated the various way in which to travel or move around the island. The early settlers, some 600 years ago, mostly traveled by foot and carried their loads themselves. Slowly, animals helped …
This year again and for the 17th time, the parish of Curral das Freiras organizes its ‘Mostra do Brigalhó’. Canary Lord-and-Ladies But you may ask: “what is a brigalho?” It is a plant called Canary Lord-and-Ladies (Botanical name: Arum italicum ssp. Canariensis) The brigalho is the rarest of all Arum italicum subspecies. It makes green …
O Brinquinho – a traditional music instrument on Madeira A brinquinho (or little toy if one translates literally) is a very popular instrument on Madeira. Tourists and locals alike fondly think of this instrument. It leaves no one untouched. The curious instrument consists of small dolls dressed in traditional dress. The figures carry a small …
A German Painter in Madeira: Max Römer Max Wilhelm Römer saw the light on November 22nd, 1878 in Hamburg, Germany. His wife became ill and upon the recommendation of a Danish friend, he decided to move to Madeira due to its mild climate. He packed belongings, wife and children onto the Brazilian steamboat “Curvello” with …
The “Sorcerer of Calheta” and the Bailinho da Madeira If you have once been to Madeira or even to Portugal and partook in popular festivities, you must have heard the “Bailinho da Madeira” music and maybe even the song. Click play here below to listen to the Bailinho da Madeira while reading this post. O …
Olga Drak Olga Drak comes from Poland. Throughout her life, art in its various shapes and forms always fascinated Olga. Naturally she studied arts at the Academy of Fine Arts in Poznan. Olga Drak obtained two master’s degrees. The first is a Master degree in Art Education (2001). Finally a second master’s degree in Painting …
“V-J Day in Times Square” but is known to most as “The Kiss” Roaming the streets of New York, a photograph set out to catch the atmosphere of V-J day (Victory over Japan – end of World War II in the USA on 14/08/1945). His photography of the kiss captured that fleeting moment of passion, …
The Baltazar Dias Theater The Baltazar Dias Theater is a wonderful playhouse located right in the center of Funchal across from the Municipal Garden on Avenida Arriaga. Consequently, the theater is Madeira’s main venue for cultural, musical and artistic events. Furthermore, it also welcome Festivals such as the Madeira Literary Festival and the Madeira Film …
Great Novels and Books set in Madeira Books set on Madeira. Here are some literary companions to enjoy while planning a trip to Madeira or while discovering Madeira. As often, a read inspired by or set in the place you are vacationing in adds a certain flavor or interest. Books are generally great travel companions. …
Bookstore Funchal – Livraria Esperança Shh ! This is one of Funchal’s secrets. Hence, most locals do not even know about it. Livraria Esperança – Funchal Bookstore sits in downtown Funchal. The Livraria Esperança in Funchal is the largest bookstore in Portugal. Furthermore, it is the second largest bookshop in the world showing book only …
