The Madeira Flower Festival 2026 runs from April 30 to May 24. For the first time, the main allegoric parade is split across two Sundays: May 3 and May 17, both along Avenida do Mar in Funchal from approximately 4pm. Watching from the street is free; grandstand tickets are expected around €30. The full programme includes a classic car parade (May 10), flower carpets, markets, concerts, and the Muro da Esperança children’s tradition on May 2.
Every May, Madeira fills with flowers. Streets, floats, costumes, children carrying single blooms — the Festa da Flor is the island’s most visually spectacular celebration and one of the most photographed events in the Atlantic. In 2026, the festival runs from April 30 to May 24, with a significant change: for the first time, there will be two separate allegoric parades — on May 3 and May 17.
🌸 Festa da Flor 2026 — At a Glance
- Festival dates: April 30 – May 24, 2026
- Parade 1: Sunday, May 3 — Cortejo Alegórico, Avenida do Mar, Funchal (~4pm)
- Parade 2: Sunday, May 17 — Cortejo Alegórico, Avenida do Mar, Funchal (~4pm)
- Classic car parade: Saturday, May 10 — Avenida do Mar
- Watching free: Stand along Avenida do Mar — arrive from 2:30pm for best spots
- Grandstand tickets: Expected ~€30 — official price to be confirmed
- Tickets via: Participating associations, Tourism Office, some hotels
📑 In This Guide
The Main Event — Two Allegoric Parades
The Cortejo Alegórico da Flor is the centrepiece of the entire festival — a procession of floral floats, around 1,500 performers in elaborate flower-covered costumes, live music and choreography along Avenida do Mar. It has run every year since 1979. In 2026, for the first time, it happens twice: once on May 3 and once on May 17.
Both parades follow the same route along Avenida do Mar in Funchal. The atmosphere is festive but not chaotic — families, couples, and visitors line the avenue as the floats pass, carrying the scent of fresh flowers down the seafront. May in Madeira brings some of the best weather of the year — for context on what to expect, see our guide to May weather in Madeira.
Parade Groups 2026
Fourteen groups perform across the two parades — seven per day. Each group brings its own float, costumes, music and choreography. The majority of performers are children.
- João Egídio
- Rosa Flor
- Tramas e Enredos
- Caneca Furada
- Animad
- Associação de Animação Geringonça
- Nuvem d’Afetos
- Palco d’Emoções
- Poeira d’Enigmas
- Isabel Borges
- Sorrisos de Fantasia
- Batucada da Madeira
- Fitness Team
- Império da Ilha
Grandstand Tickets — How to Watch
Free standing — along Avenida do Mar
The entire length of Avenida do Mar is open to free standing spectators. You don’t need a ticket to watch the parade — arrive early for the best spots. Aim to be in place by 2:30pm on parade days if you want a front-row position.
Grandstand seats — ticketed
Elevated grandstand seating gives you a guaranteed, unobstructed view without the waiting and standing. Grandstand tickets have typically cost around €30 per person in previous years — official 2026 pricing has not yet been confirmed by Turismo da Madeira.
🎟️ How to get grandstand tickets
Tickets are sold through the participating associations — each association typically handles tickets for their parade day. You can also check with the Funchal Tourism Office and your hotel (some hotels hold allocations).
The best approach: email the associations directly, include your name, phone number, and how many tickets you need. They can reserve for you or arrange delivery to your hotel.
- Geringonça (May 3) — geringonca@geringonca.com
- ADN Ponta do Sol — adnpontadosol@gmail.com
- Retóica — retoica@retoica.com
- Funchal Tourism Office — in person or via the official tourism website
Each association may sell tickets for their specific parade day. Contact them individually to confirm availability and which date applies.
Classic Car Parade — May 10
Classic cars decorated with floral arrangements parade along Avenida do Mar, accompanied by musical bands and hundreds of performers in flower-inspired costumes. The route runs along Avenida do Mar and ends with a static exhibition on Avenida Francisco Sá Carneiro (until 6:30pm).
This is one of the most enjoyable events in the festival programme — the combination of vintage cars, live music, flowers, and seafront setting is genuinely impressive. Grandstand tickets are sold on the day along Avenida do Mar.
Full Festival Programme
The Festa da Flor is not just the two parades — the full programme runs for nearly four weeks across Funchal and beyond. If you’re planning your Funchal days around the festival, the flower market on Av. Arriaga and the flower carpets are worth building into any morning itinerary throughout the event.
| Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 30 – May 24 | Exposição da Flor — regional flower competition | Pavilhão da Flor, Largo da Restauração |
| Apr 30 – May 24 | Mercado das Flores e Produtos Regionais | Av. Arriaga (central strip) |
| Apr 30 – May 24 | Tapetes Florais (flower carpets) | Av. Arriaga |
| May 1–2 | Palheiro Gardens Golf Classic | Palheiro Golf Course |
| May 2 (morning) | Muro da Esperança — children’s flower wall | Praça do Município |
| May 3 (~4pm) | 🌸 Cortejo Alegórico — Parade 1 | Avenida do Mar, Funchal |
| May 8 | Muro da Solidariedade | Largo da Restauração |
| May 9 | Atuações dos Grupos da Flor | Heliporto — Cais 8 |
| May 10 | 🚗 Madeira Flower Classic Auto Parade | Avenida do Mar |
| May 14–17 | Concertos da Flor — 4 concerts across the island | Various locations |
| May 16–17 | Madeira Flower Collection — fashion show | Quinta Magnólia |
| May 16–17 | Atuações dos Grupos da Flor | Heliporto — Cais 8 |
| May 17 (~4pm) | 🌸 Cortejo Alegórico — Parade 2 | Avenida do Mar, Funchal |
| May 21–24 | Instalações Florais — floral sculptures | Av. Sá Carneiro, Largo do Corpo Santo, Cais do Funchal, Assembleia Legislativa |
| May 22–24 | Madeira Classic Car Revival | Praça do Povo |
Programme subject to updates by Turismo da Madeira. Confirm events closer to the date at visitmadeira.pt.
The Wall of Hope — A Tradition Since 1979
One of the most touching moments of the entire festival — and one that most visitors miss. On the morning of May 2, children from across Funchal carry a single flower to Praça do Município, typically picked from their own garden, and place it in the “Wall of Hope” — a symbolic call for peace that has been repeated every year since 1979.
It’s quiet, it’s local, and it’s genuinely moving. If you’re in Funchal that morning, it’s worth going.
Parade Route Map
Practical Tips
- Arrive early for free spots: Aim to be on Avenida do Mar by 2:30pm on parade days. The best free standing spots fill up quickly — especially near the start of the route.
- Book grandstand tickets in advance: Email the associations directly — don’t wait for an official ticket platform. They can reserve and deliver to your hotel.
- Avoid driving into the centre: Avenida do Mar closes for the parade. Park outside the centre and walk, or use a taxi and arrange pickup in advance.
- Bring a light layer: May evenings in Funchal are mild but the seafront can be breezy. A light jacket is enough.
- Comfortable shoes: You’ll be standing for an extended time — the parade is long and worth it, but your feet will feel it.
- The flower market is worth a morning: The Mercado das Flores on Av. Arriaga is a genuine local experience — regional flowers, poncha, bolo do caco, and a relaxed atmosphere. Open throughout the festival.
- Don’t skip May 2: The Muro da Esperança is one of the most authentic moments of the entire festival and almost entirely absent from tourist itineraries.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Madeira Flower Festival 2026?
The festival runs from April 30 to May 24, 2026. The two main allegoric parades take place on May 3 and May 17 along Avenida do Mar in Funchal.
Are there two parades at Festa da Flor 2026?
Yes — 2026 introduces a new format with two separate allegoric parades: the first on Sunday May 3 and the second on Sunday May 17. Both take place along Avenida do Mar, typically starting around 4pm.
How much do grandstand tickets cost?
Grandstand tickets have typically cost around €30 per person in previous years. Official 2026 pricing has not yet been confirmed by Turismo da Madeira — check with the associations or Tourism Office closer to the date.
Where can I buy tickets for the parades?
Contact the participating associations directly by email (listed above). Tickets are also available at the Funchal Tourism Office and sometimes through hotels. Email early — grandstand seats are limited.
Is it free to watch?
Yes — standing along Avenida do Mar is completely free. Grandstand seats are ticketed. Arrive from 2:30pm for the best free spots on parade days.
What is the Muro da Esperança?
A tradition since 1979: on the morning of May 2, children carry a single flower to Praça do Município to build a symbolic wall for peace. It’s free, local, and one of the most genuine moments of the entire festival.
What is the Classic Auto Parade?
The Madeira Flower Classic Auto Parade takes place on May 10 along Avenida do Mar. Classic cars decorated with floral arrangements parade through Funchal with musical bands and performers. Grandstand tickets are sold on the day.
When is the best time to visit for the Flower Festival?
The weekend of May 3 (first parade) or May 17 (second parade) are the highlights. If you can only visit once, May 3 is the traditional opening weekend. The full festival runs April 30 to May 24 with the flower market, exhibitions, concerts and fashion shows throughout.
🗺️ Planning Your Trip Around Festa da Flor?
Festival week means Funchal is busier than usual. If you want to combine the parade with levada walks, jeep tours or boat trips, organising transport and experiences in advance makes everything smoother. All Beyond Madeira bookings include free access to an interactive offline map — useful for navigating Funchal during festival week when roads around the parade route close.
Browse Experiences → 3-Day Itinerary → May Weather Guide →
