February 11–22, 2026 | Funchal & across Madeira Island
For two vibrant weeks, Madeira transforms into one of the Atlantic’s most colorful celebrations. The streets of Funchal fill with samba rhythms, elaborate costumes, and thousands of revelers — all coming together for what locals call the happiest fortnight of the year.
While Carnival happens across the island, the heart of the festivities beats strongest in Funchal, where two parades define the experience: the dazzling Saturday Allegoric Parade (at night) and the hilarious, satirical Cortejo Trapalhão (Tuesday afternoon).
Dates: February 11–22, 2026
Main events in Funchal: Saturday Allegoric Parade (Feb 14, 8pm) + Tuesday Trapalhão (Feb 17, 4pm)
Main location: Avenida do Mar, Funchal
Cost: Free to watch standing | €20 for seated grandstand tickets (Saturday night)
The main event: Saturday Allegoric Parade (February 14, 8pm–11pm)
This is the night everyone waits for — and it’s easy to see why. Over 1,500 performers from 14 samba groups parade along Avenida do Mar in an explosion of sequins, feathers, music, and pure joy. The floats are massive, the costumes are breathtaking, and the energy is contagious.
The parade starts at 8pm near the Pestana CR7 Hotel and runs along the waterfront, ending at Praça da Autonomia (near the Empresa de Eletricidade da Madeira). You can watch for free anywhere along the route — or reserve a seat in the official grandstands if you prefer comfort.
Parade route map (embedded)
📍 Avenida do Mar parade route
The parade follows Avenida do Mar from Pestana CR7 Hotel to Praça da Autonomia. Free standing spots are available along the entire route — seated grandstands are paid.
How to watch: free standing vs. seated grandstands
Both options are great — it just depends on your vibe. If you want a guaranteed view (and less waiting), seated grandstands are worth it. If you want the crowd energy and don’t mind standing, the free option is fantastic.
🎟️ Seated grandstands (€20)
Best for: families, groups, anyone who wants comfort + a guaranteed view.
Where to buy: via Tourism Office or local associations (emails below).
- Associação Geringonça: geringonca87@gmail.com
- Associação ADN Ponta do Sol: adnpontadosol@gmail.com
- Associação Retóica: associacaoretoica@gmail.com
Tourism Office (Government): Google Maps pin
Note: When emailing, include your name, contact details (phone/email), and the quantity of tickets.
🆓 Free standing
Best for: budget travelers, spontaneous vibes, feeling the parade up close.
Where: anywhere along Avenida do Mar.
Tip: arrive around 6:30pm for the best spots along the avenida do mar
The local favorite: Cortejo Trapalhão (February 17, from 4pm)
If Saturday night is glamour and samba, Tuesday afternoon is chaos, humor, and pure Madeiran soul. The Cortejo Trapalhão is a satirical parade where locals dress up in homemade costumes, poke fun at current events, and invite everyone to join the fun.
This is Carnival at its most authentic. You’ll see everything from cardboard robots to inflatable dinosaurs — often with clever jokes hidden in the details. It’s funny, irreverent, and genuinely memorable.
When: Tuesday, February 17, starting at 4pm
Where: Central Funchal (same general area as the Saturday parade)
Cost: Free to watch standing
Seated option: On the day, there are usually seated tickets available locally (depending on availability) — but standing is already a great experience.
Local tip: If you’re here on Tuesday, consider joining in with a costume — it’s one of the most fun “when in Madeira” moments.
Watch Madeira Carnival in action
If it’s your first time in Madeira for Carnival, watching a short video first helps you “feel” the atmosphere: the music, the costumes, the lights, and the crowd energy along Avenida do Mar.
Carnival beyond Funchal: other island celebrations
Funchal hosts the biggest events, but Carnival happens all over the island — and each town brings its own style. If you’re staying outside the capital, you might have a local parade closer to you.
🎉 Santa Cruz (Feb 15, 5pm)
Cortejo (route through central streets ending at Praça Dr. João Abel de Freitas). Often followed by music/animation.
🎉 Porto Moniz (Feb 15, 3:30pm)
“Desfile das Trupes” from Porto de Abrigo to the seafront area (Frente-Mar + Vila de Porto Moniz).
🎉 Câmara de Lobos (Feb 13–21)
Multiple events across the week (including schools Carnival, Trapalhão, “Desfile das Trupes”, and the “Enterro do Osso”).
🎉 Other areas
Calheta, Machico, Ponta do Sol, Porto Santo, Ribeira Brava, Santana, São Vicente — many towns host at least one parade or street moment during Carnival week.
Taste Carnival: the famous “Sonhos” (Madeira’s Carnival sweet)
No Madeiran Carnival is complete without trying Sonhos — which literally translates to “dreams.” These traditional fried pastries are made from flour and eggs, then drizzled with Madeira’s iconic sugarcane honey (mel de cana).
You’ll find them in bakeries and cafés all over the island during Carnival season. Try them warm if you can — and pair with a coffee for the full local experience.
Most traditional bakeries in Funchal will have them during Carnival week. If you’re unsure, ask for “sonhos com mel de cana”.
Practical tips for Carnival night in Funchal
- Arrive early: for Saturday night, aim for 6:30pm if you want a good free standing spot.
- Bring a light layer: February nights can feel cool near the ocean.
- Comfort first: expect a lot of standing and waiting — comfortable shoes matter.
- Avoid driving into the center: traffic + parking get chaotic. Use a taxi/bus or park outside and walk.
- Tickets can sell out: if you want seated grandstands, reserve early via the local associations or Tourism Office.
Plan your trip around Carnival
Carnival is one of the best times to visit Madeira — but it also means the island is busier than usual. If you’re planning to explore beyond Funchal (viewpoints, levadas, beaches), organizing transport and experiences ahead of time makes everything smoother.
If you want a realistic itinerary (without overthinking it), we can help you plan the best areas by day.
Madeira Carnival 2026: February 11–22, with the main Allegoric Parade on Saturday, February 14 (8pm–11pm) and the Trapalhão parade on Tuesday, February 17 (from 4pm). The main action happens along Avenida do Mar, Funchal. Free to watch standing; seated grandstands are typically €20 for Saturday night.
See you in Funchal — bring your dancing shoes (and maybe a costume). 🎭
