Festival 24 Horas a Bailar
Santana's flagship folklore festival — 41st edition on 4–5 July 2026 at Casas de Santana. Twenty-four straight hours of Madeiran folk groups dancing and singing on the main stage, plus regional gastronomy, poncha and free entry. Organised by Casa do Povo de Santana.
About Festival 24 Horas a Bailar
Festival 24 Horas a Bailar is Madeira's July moment in Casas de Santana, Santana — the kind of date locals block off weeks in advance and where the atmosphere is as much of a draw as the programme itself.
Festival 24 Horas a Bailar is one of the events that shapes the island's year — locals book time off, restaurants adjust menus, and accommodation in Casas de Santana, Santana fills months ahead. If you want to be part of it, lock in flights and hotels before the official programme is even published.
What to know before you go
- Stay near Casas de Santana, Santana if you can — the closest guesthouses go first, and driving in on the day means slow traffic and scarce parking.
- Expect road closures near the venue and reduced parking in Casas de Santana, Santana. The extra bus services are the easiest way in; taxis get scarce once the crowd builds.
- Most of what happens spills into the streets and is free to watch; ticketed concerts and reserved viewing areas tend to sell out fast.
- Cash still matters at food stalls and pop-up bars, even though card readers are increasingly common.
Best time to visit
Aim for the middle days of the July run: the crowds have arrived, the programme is in full swing, and the last-minute changes have been ironed out.
Visitor reviews
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Frequently asked
When is Festival 24 Horas a Bailar?+
The next confirmed dates for Festival 24 Horas a Bailar are 2026-07-04 to 2026-07-05. The event recurs every year.
Where does Festival 24 Horas a Bailar take place?+
Festival 24 Horas a Bailar is held in Casas de Santana, Santana, Madeira.
Is Festival 24 Horas a Bailar free?+
Walking the streets of Casas de Santana, Santana during Festival 24 Horas a Bailar costs nothing. Reserved seats, indoor concerts and any organised dinners are ticketed separately.