Carnival in Madeira 2027: parade dates and where to watch
Madeira Carnival 2027: dates of the Allegoric Parade and the Slapstick Parade in Funchal, where to watch, how the samba schools work, and tips for joining in.
Madeira’s Carnival is one of the biggest in Portugal. For about ten days in February, Funchal fills with music, costumes and samba, and the island’s schools and neighbourhood groups spend months preparing for two very different parades.
Dates for 2027
- Carnival period: 3 to 14 February 2027
- Allegoric Parade: Friday 5 and Saturday 6 February, in the evening, in central Funchal
- Slapstick Parade: Tuesday 9 February, Carnival Tuesday, in the afternoon
The Allegoric Parade
The main parade is a night of Brazilian-style samba groups, huge floats, feathers, sequins and drums, moving along the seafront avenue. Each group has its own theme and music, and the costumes are made over many months.
The Slapstick Parade
The Cortejo Trapalhão on Carnival Tuesday is the opposite: home-made costumes, satire and humour, poking fun at politicians and the news of the year. Anyone can join, and many locals dress up with family and friends. It is relaxed, funny and very Madeiran.
Where to watch
The parades follow the seafront avenue, Avenida do Mar, near the marina. Arrive early to find a place at the front, or book a seat in the stands when they are available. Children love the Slapstick Parade, which is during the day.
Food and traditions
Carnival Tuesday is the day for malasadas, fried doughnuts, sometimes with sugarcane honey. Bakeries make them by the thousand.
Tips
- Book accommodation in central Funchal early for the parade weekend.
- Parking in the centre is very difficult; walk or take a bus.
- February evenings are cool, around 14 °C; bring a layer.
- Read Madeira in February for the weather and what else is on.