Christmas and New Year celebrations November 15, 2008

In mid-November we start preparations for making Funchal a real, life-size Christmas crib.

The streets are decorated with lights of all colours and sizes, with designs allusive to the island and the festive season.

In December, the squares are decked with flowers. Poinsettias, holly and lady’s slipper orchids all help to brighten up the city’s streets. And then there are the Christmas carols ringing out in the streets as if by magic and creating a real festive spirit.

The streets fill with people in this atmosphere of great joy. Some are here to do their Christmas shopping, while others just want to enjoy the atmosphere of the days leading up to the festivities.

There are also cultural events, such as high-quality concerts and exhibitions about the season and the archipelago.

And the bustle doesn’t die down after Christmas, as the last day of the year has to be one to remember.

Funchal’s amphitheatre is transformed into a magnificent crib illuminated by more than 250,000 coloured lights, while the hillsides are dotted with white lights, setting the scene for an unforgettable display.

When the clock strikes twelve on 31 December, the skies are lit up with fire, colour and hope for the New Year, which could not get off to a better start.