Christmas traditions in Madeira & Portugal
A lot of people in Madeira work in tourism, which also means, they will most probably need to work during Christmas. However, Christmas is an important holiday, and whenever its possible, families get together, decorate their houses, prepare family dinners together. The most important dinner takes place on Christmas Eve, December 24th (“Véspera de Natal“). This is also when gifts are exchanged. After that, Christian families go to church to attend a:
Missa do Galo – Midnight Mass
A Midnight Mass in Portugal is called “Missa do Galo” (“Rooster’s Mass”). Its name is associated with a legend that says that the only night when the rooster crowed at midnight was the night when Jesus was born.
An interesting aspect of Christmas in Madeira, which I never experienced in other countries are also:
Missas do Parto
which are nine Holy Masses preceding Christmas Eve (so from 16/12 to 24/12) symbolizing the nine months of Mary’s pregnancy.
During Christmas period in Madeira, you can often find folk bands in traditional costumes marching through the city and giving performances.
Wow! What a unique experience! The fireworks are amazing!
Looks like a beautiful place to enjoy the holidays. No snow- but they have lots of wonderful holiday decorations to put you in the holiday spirit! I don’t know if I could ever pass up the snow though!
Nice so see how the Christmas vibe is in a warm place! I love the palm trees wrapped in Christmas lights, we always do that here in California too!
Wow loved to know how they celebrate Christmas and New year in Madeira and I absolutely love the fireworks video 🙂
Last year was the first time we spent Christmas outside the UK while travelling, and it made us want to try it more in future. Madeira looks fantastic at Christmas so it gives us something to consider for next year! Thank you for the inspiration 🙂
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