Madeira Festivals in April & May 2026: Complete Guide to Spring Events

Looking for festivals in Madeira in April and May 2026?

This guide gives you a clear overview of what’s happening across the island — from major events in Funchal to smaller local festivals in villages.

What to expect in spring

Spring is one of the most diverse times for events in Madeira.

Instead of only large festivals, you’ll find:

• food and agriculture events

• cultural and art festivals

• traditional village celebrations

• smaller music events by the ocean

👉 Many of these events are local and not widely advertised.

April 2026 – Festivals in Madeira

Lemon Festival — Santana (11–12 April)

• A traditional agricultural festival in the north of the island.

• local farmers present their production

• food stalls with lemon-based products

• live folk music (Despique)

Regional Band Meeting — Ribeira Brava (17–19 April)

A traditional gathering of Madeira’s brass bands.

• street parade

• joint performances

Santa Cruz Book Fair — Caniço (22–26 April)

A relaxed event by the sea.

• books, art, and music

• outdoor cinema

Expo Tropical — Funchal (23–26 April)

A food and gastronomy event.

• tropical fruits and local products

• live entertainment

MIUT — Madeira Island Ultra Trail (25–26 April)

One of the island’s largest sports events.

• trail race across Madeira

• international participants

Madeira Flower Festival — from 30 April

The most important festival in Madeira in spring.

• flower parades

• street decorations and flower carpets

• concerts and exhibitions

👉 The festival runs over several weeks, not just one weekend

Calheta SoundsCool — Paul do Mar (2 May)

The southwest’s leading open-air music festival – right by the ocean.

• DJs and live music

• sunset atmosphere

São Tiago Menor Festival — Funchal (1 May)

A traditional celebration in the Old Town.

• procession

• local festivities

Festival Aqui Acolá — Ponta do Sol (14–17 May)

A cultural and art festival with a wide-ranging programme.

• live concerts, theatre, and dance

• workshops, talks, and exhibitions

• mix of local and international artists

Onion Festival (Festa da Cebola) — Caniço (15–17 May)

A traditional village festival celebrating the onion, long grown in Caniço.

• decorated tractors and parade

• food, wine, and music

Cherry & Gastronomy Event — Curral das Freiras

A small regional event focused on local products.

• sour cherry specialities

• traditional sweets

Trans Madeira Enduro (18–23 May)

A multi-day mountain bike event.

• routes across the island

• international participants

Classic Car Revival — Funchal (22–24 May)

A large exhibition of classic vehicles.

• vintage cars and motorbikes

• held at Praça do Povo

Trout Festival & Cider Route — Santana (29–31 May)

A traditional food festival.

• trout dishes and cider tastings

• folklore and performances

Festas da Sé — Funchal (end of May)

A typical Madeiran street festival (arraial).

• decorated streets

• food stalls and local dishes

• music and entertainment

How to find events during your stay

Event details in Madeira can change, and many smaller festivals are only announced shortly before they take place.

In Madeira Unlocked you can:

• see daily updated events

• find festivals near you

• access locations, times, and details in one place

How to plan your visit

To get a balanced experience, combine different types of events:

• Major event: Flower Festival

• Food event: Rum Festival or Trout Festival

• Local festival: Onion Festival or Santana events

• Cultural event: Aqui Acolá or VivaCidade

Final thoughts

April and May are ideal months to explore Madeira beyond the main tourist highlights.

From village festivals to events in Funchal, there is always something happening somewhere on the island.