Blog

Earlier this year, the inhabitant of Madeira worked together with determination to recover quickly from the destructive storms that hit parts of the island during February. After showing so much resilience, the annual Flower Festival on Madeira during April provided an opportunity for them to put recent events behind them and look forward to another great summer.

Islands like Madeira and some of those in the Canaries are often privileged as far as good weather is concerned. In fact, it's what creates the flourishing tourist industry on these Atlantic islands. However, during February this year, both Madeira and the Canaries felt the force of some less enjoyable Atlantic weather systems. Madeira came off worst, when heavy rainfall caused destructive water torrents on the island. Most of the island was not affected but those areas that were suffered severe damage to property and possessions.

Reports in the press recently stated that the island has recovered remarkably quickly, with repairs well in hand and the islanders looking forward to a normal, busy summer holiday season. The annual Flower Festival, celebrated in Funchal, is one of the occasions that welcomes in the new season, and this year's festival was welcomed with more enthusiasm than normal.

The capital of the island, Funchal, was literally filled with flowers, in displays large and small as well as the streets being covered with floral carpets. Shops and businesses joined in with a passion and for the weekend over 17th and 18th April, the colour and bouquet of the islands best floral offerings were everywhere. There was several concerts and processions, including a children's parade on the Saturday in the Municipal Square. The main parade took place on Sunday when locals dressed up in traditional costumes and showed off their decorated floats.