Market Night
December 23rd
The 23rd is the day when the Madeirans traditionally buy their Christmas fare. Farmers come to Funchal from all over the island to sell their products at this busy time. Mercado dos Lavradores is suddenly too small for so much demand and so the surrounding streets are closed to traffic and fill up with farmers' stalls.
It's the perfect day for a visit to the market to see and buy all kinds of regional products: fruit, vegetables, flowers, sweets and traditional Christmas drinks.
In the early evening there is a carol concert in the fish market. There are bands, folk dancers and lots of fun throughout the area.
The bars and restaurants often stay open all night and fill the area with revelry until dawn.