Fennel which in Portuguese is Funcho was a very common plant in the main bay of Madeira and so it gave the name to Funchal. Nowadays it is much harder to find though it is still used for infusions and specially to make the typical Madeira candies recommended to combat cough. Together with these candies there is usually some green ones too but those are made from eucalyptus which is not so typical though are very tasty as well.

Today, the 9th of October, is the official day of Senhor do Milagres in Machico, though the most important day was on the eve with a night procession where thousands of persons take part. On this religious parade the public lights are turned off and people illuminate the streets of Machico with their long candles and torches, making the ambient even more religious.

This celebration remembers the inundation occurred on the 9th of October of 1803 which destroyed the Bom Jesus Chapel where the "Good Jesus" statue was. This statue was pushed into the sea by the furious waters and three days later was miraculously found by an American ship which return it later to Funchal Cathedral. Only on the 15th of April of 1813, when the former chapel was rebuilt, this statue was brought back to Machico and, as local people pray, on the moment that the boat which was bringing the statue from Funchal entered Machico bay the bells started to play without anybody touching them. This was the miracle that made both the image as the chapel rebaptized as Senhor do Milagres (Jesus of Miracles).

On the third weekend of September Caniçal, once a small fishing village of Machico, celebrates the patron of their fishermen, the Holy Mary of Mercy. Though "Senhora da Piedade" is not the patron of Caniçal this is the most popular catholic festivity on this parish. On Saturday the colorful and decorated fishing boats gather on Caniçal harbour to fill up with people who want to be close to their saint to whom their promises go.

Departing from the harbour all boats, including the one that was elected to take the priest, the band and persons who will carry the image of Holy Mary, head to Quinta do Lorde pier where they disembark and join the procession up to the Chapel at the top of Monte Gordo, where the statue of the Holy Mary that named the chapel is. After decorating the Holy Mary of Mercy with gold it is time for the procession to come down the hill, embark on the boats waiting at the pier and then head to the main church of Caniçal. A Mass is followed to open the celebrations and festivities then follow all night long.

On Sunday after the Festivity Mass the boats procession take back "Nossa Senhora da Piedade" to her Chapel on the top of Monte Gordo where she will watch fishermen and bless them and their work for another year.

Madeira Wine harvesting festivities are officially open! Every year in early September Madeira concentrate all its attentions on the wine harvesting to produce the famous and renowned Madeira Wine. The capital of wine harvesting in Madeira is Estreito de Câmara de Lobos where visitants may enjoy, on Saturday, every step of this wine production with traditional methods always accompanied with wine tasting.

In Funchal downtown, on the central squares in front of the Cathedral, there are also some exhibition of artefacts and grape species used on Madeira Wine. If you are visiting Madeira during this week this is a must, but be careful Madeira Wine is has a high percentage of alcohol!

Some councils of Madeira have the tradition to celebrate popular saints like Saint Anthony on the 13th of June, saint John on the 24th June and saint Peter on the 29th of June. These festivities are always on the eve's night and include dancing parades, typical fish dishes like sardines and tuna fish and some traditions that have been lasting for several years.

Saint Peters boat

The most busy festivity of all popular saints celebrated during June is Saint Peter on Ribeira Brava. All town is decorated with plastic flowers, several bars and sweet shops are built on the streets, also some typical traditions like saint Peters boat filled with all people's offers for the church and the antique "charola" made of vegetables, also offered to the church for an auction.

Charola of Madeira

It really is Madeira traditions at its best!