Carnival Animation Kicks Off Wednesday in Funchal
Funchal, the capital of Madeira, is set to celebrate Carnival starting Wednesday and continuing until February 22. The festivities will kick off with the opening of the Mercadinho at the Placa Central on Avenida Arriaga.
Carnival Schedule and Highlights
This year’s celebration includes a variety of events aimed at both locals and tourists. Key highlights of the program are:
- Children’s Carnival: Scheduled for Friday at 11:00 AM, this event will feature 1,400 young participants.
- Solidarity Carnival: Also on Friday at 2:30 PM, this gathering will include around 500 individuals from various institutions.
- Main Parade: The grand allegorical parade will take place on Saturday, boasting 1,700 revelers from 14 different troupes.
- Trapalhão Carnival: This event is slated for the following Tuesday, highlighting a longstanding tradition.
Event Participation and Awards
On the day of the Trapalhão Carnival, registrations will be accepted from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM on Avenida Sá Carneiro. A notable addition this year is the award for Best Sustainable Costume, reflecting a commitment to environmental awareness. Approximately 5,000 individuals are expected to participate in the events.
Tourism and Attendance
Eduardo Jesus, the regional secretary of tourism, environment, and culture, mentioned that hotel occupancy rates are currently at 88.2%, showing a slight increase from last year. Additionally, two cruise ships will be docked in Funchal this Saturday, potentially attracting more visitors to the parade.
Weather Outlook for Carnival
Forecasts suggest mixed weather for the Carnival week, with expectations of sunshine interspersed with clouds. However, Jesus cautioned that weather conditions could change rapidly.
The Carnival festivities also encompass various museums and cultural sites, enhancing the vibrant atmosphere in Funchal. For further details, check back with Filmogaz.com.
