Madeira Flower Festival
Festa da Flor
Annual spring festival in Funchal: flower carpets, parades and the children's 'Wall of Hope' ceremony.
About Madeira Flower Festival
Madeira Flower Festival takes place in Funchal and runs every year around May
Madeira Flower Festival is one of the events that shapes the island's year — locals book time off, restaurants adjust menus, and accommodation in Funchal fills months ahead. If you want to be part of it, lock in flights and hotels before the official programme is even published.
The Festa da Flor (Madeira Flower Festival) is the island's biggest spring event — two weeks of flower-themed installations, a children's 'Wall of Hope' ceremony in Praça do Município, and a Sunday afternoon parade of flower-covered floats down Avenida Arriaga. It dates back to the 1950s and is one of the few Madeira events for which accommodation books out 4–6 months in advance.
If you can only catch one day, make it the Sunday of the parade — the floats are spectacular and the city is closed to traffic for the route. The Saturday children's ceremony is also moving and far less crowded.
What to know before you go
- Accommodation in central Funchal sells out earliest — booking 3–6 months ahead is normal for the larger festivals.
- Public transport runs extra services during major events, but parking near the venue becomes very limited.
- Most events are free to attend in the streets; ticketed concerts or premium viewing areas tend to sell out fast.
Best time to visit
The event itself happens around May. Arrive a day early to settle in and see the build-up.
Location
Madeira, Portugal · Open in OpenStreetMap · Google Maps
32.64790, -16.90810
Frequently asked
When is the Madeira Flower Festival?+
Annually in May, two to three weeks after Easter. The main parade is typically on a Sunday.
When is Madeira Flower Festival?+
The next confirmed dates for Madeira Flower Festival are 2026-05-02 to 2026-05-24. The event recurs every year.
Where does Madeira Flower Festival take place?+
Madeira Flower Festival is held in Funchal, Madeira.
Is Madeira Flower Festival free?+
Street-level festivities are typically free to attend. Some ticketed concerts, viewing areas or special programmes are paid — check the official programme close to the dates.
Nearby on Madeira
Other places within easy reach of Madeira Flower Festival.