Madeira Day is a national holiday celebrated on July 1st, commemorating the archipelago’s independence from mainland Portugal, granted in 1976. The day is marked with cultural events, parades, and fireworks displays. Visitors can experience the local culture by trying traditional Madeiran food, such as espetada (meat skewers), bolo do caco (a type of bread), and poncha (a local alcoholic drink). The holiday is an opportunity to learn about Madeira’s history and culture, including its unique traditions, such as the famous Madeira wine and the flower festival. Join the locals in celebrating Madeira Day and experience the island’s rich cultural heritage.
History of Madeira Day
Madeira is an archipelago situated in the north Atlantic Ocean. The islands were visited and then settled by Portuguese sailors in the service of Prince Henry the Navigator in 1419. The archipelago is considered to be the first territorial discovery of the exploratory period of the Age of Discovery.
Madeira is an autonomous region of Portugal. Autonomy was granted to the Autonomous Region of Madeira in the Portuguese Constitution on July 1st 1976. This followed the 1974 revolution that swept away the Salazar dictatorship that had governed mainland Portugal, the islands and the colonies since 1928.
The holiday is marked throughout the region with fireworks and parades. An official ceremony takes place in the Regional Legislative Assembly.
Although it is officially celebrated
as a public holiday in Madeira, it is also celebrated by Madeiran citizens and
those with a Madeiran heritage around the world.
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