Columbus Festival on Porto Santo
Porto Santo’s Columbus Festival recreates the arrival of Christopher Columbus with a historic market, costumes and parades. 2027 dates and how to visit from Madeira.
In 2027 the Columbus Festival runs from 23 to 26 September.
Christopher Columbus lived on Porto Santo in the late 1400s, after marrying Filipa Moniz Perestrelo, daughter of the island’s first governor. Every September the island celebrates the connection with the Columbus Festival, the Festival Colombo.
Dates for 2027
23 to 26 September 2027, in Vila Baleira.
What happens
- The arrival of Columbus: a re-enactment of the navigator landing on the beach, with a historic ship, costumes and a procession through the town.
- A historic market with stalls, crafts and food in fifteenth-century style.
- Music, theatre and street performances in the town centre.
Casa Colombo
Visit the museum in the house where Columbus is said to have lived, with maps, engravings and the story of his voyages. See Porto Santo.
Getting there
Take the Lobo Marinho ferry from Funchal or a short flight. Book early, as the festival is popular with Madeirans too. See getting to Porto Santo.
On the calendar
Full calendarThu23
Columbus Festival