The Prime Minister of Madeira expressed that one of the keys to the success of the Flower Festival parade is its inclusivity and involvement of civil society, particularly families and children. “I believe one of the secrets is that this parade is open, involving the participation of civil society, and in this case, families and children are all involved, which is why I think it will be another great success,” he remarked during the allegorical parade that took place in Funchal.
The official highlighted that Madeira’s hotel occupancy rate is “as high as usual” during this event, reaching around 95%.
Addressing the start of the national legislative election campaign today, scheduled for May 18, Albuquerque noted that the expectation in Madeira is for the AD-PSD/CDS-PP coalition to win. “I think that Portuguese people, and especially the Madeiran and Porto-Santo populations, have realized the need for a government that can complete its legislative term, providing stability,” he stated.
He further argued that “people still do not understand why this [national] government was dismissed, and that’s why the AD will secure the majority,” declaring, “I have no doubt about that.”
Thousands gathered today along the Funchal waterfront to witness Madeira’s 2025 Flower Festival parade, featuring 1,700 participants in 13 different groups.
The Flower Festival has been organized by the Madeira Department of Tourism, Environment, and Culture since 1979, with this year’s event representing an investment of 911,000 euros by the Madeiran government.
Over 8,000 seats were set up along the waterfront for the parade, which this year is themed “Dream of Flowers.” The regional government noted that the event involves over 4,000 people in its organization.
Now in its 46th edition, the Flower Festival runs throughout May.
The parade, which traveled the city’s east/west avenue, was led by the float of Madeiran decorator João Egídio titled “Madeira dos Meus Encantos,” followed by Isabel Borges’ group “Do Mar à Serra,” Escola de Samba Caneca Furada’s “Flores de Sonho,” Animad Association’s “Rosarium,” and Sorrisos de Fantasia’s “Secret Garden.”
Also participating were the Association Tramas e Enredos with “Flores e Sonhos,” Association FT – Fitness Team’s “Paradise,” Poeira D’Enigmas — Recreational, Cultural Association and Samba School’s “Ilha dos Sonhos – Um Refúgio Entre Céu e Mar,” and the Madeira Batucada Association — ABM’s “Dona Orquídea e as Suas Cores,” among others.
The parade concluded with Geringonça Animation Association’s “Citrus Bloom,” the Nuvem D’Afectos — Animation Association’s “Povo de Sonhos, Costumes e Flores,” and the Cultural Association Império da Ilha’s “Minha Ilha Tropical.”
The Flower Festival’s program extends until May 25, featuring initiatives such as the “flower market,” where traditional products can be appreciated in 25 stalls along Arriaga Avenue, attracting thousands of residents and visitors.
Additionally, there is a wide array of musical entertainment with 85 concerts and performances across different stages, folk group shows, floral carpets, the 70th flower exhibition, Bordado Madeira pavilion, thematic workshops, exhibitions, dance, and diverse workshops.
