Calendar of Events
Moments to cherish all year round
For those wondering what to do in Funchal, Madeira, events at Belmond Reid’s Palace will help fill your calendar with unforgettable moments. From extravagant banquets to intimate jazz evenings, there’s always something to look forward to at this storied hotel.
February
Celebrate as Carnival comes to town
Carnival Festivities
7 – 18 February
Anticipate a week of colour and excitement as carnival comes to Funchal. A parade of dazzling floats and samba dancers will hit the town centre on the night of 10 February. On Shrove Tuesday, everyone is invited to join in the parade—fancy dress is very much encouraged.
12 February – Carnival Dinner
Join us at the hotel for an unforgettable dinner at The Dining Room, where champagne shares the stage alongside a delicious buffet selection. Sensational live music is accompanied by special entertainment from the ‘Caneca Furada’ troupe.
Priced at €95 per person, including free-flow champagne. Advanced booking essential.
April
A month in full bloom
Flower Festival
19 April – 6 May
Head to Funchal for a host of fantastic experiences commemorating Madeira’s annual Flower Festival.
23 April – Five Spaces, Five Artists
Five local artists will take over five different spaces in the hotel’s entrance and lobby, drawing inspiration from the Flower Festival. Join us for a special cocktail reception and meet the artists, or explore their work at leisure throughout the week.
25 April – Flower Carving Workshop
Let Bruno Santos, a carving master, show you how to transform ordinary vegetables into beautifully carved flowers.
26 April – Orchid Workshop
Join orchid specialist Pedro Spínola as he shares his knowledge of this beautiful species, offering exclusive tips and tricks on how to care for them.
27 April – Floral Carpet Workshop
Discover a spectacular frieze of flowers by the hotel’s fig trees. Guided by a local florist, you’ll learn about this tradition and get tips on how to produce your own floral carpets.
June
A festival of fireworks and flavours
Madeira Golf Trophy Summer Buffet
2 June
To celebrate the Madeira Golf Trophy, join us for a spectacular summer buffet beside our beautiful pool.
The Art of Flavours – Gastronomic Festival
8 – 10 June
Tantalise your taste buds at our first annual gastronomic festival, hosted by our own Michelin-starred chef Luís Pestana. He has invited 7 Michelin star chefs to create a symphony of flavours:
- Michel Van Der Kroft of 't Nonnetje in Holland - 2 Michelin stars
- Ricardo Costa of The Yeatman Hotel in Porto, Portugal - 2 Michelin stars
- Davide Bisetto of Oro Restaurant at Belmond Hotel Cipriani in Venice - 1 Michelin star
- Joachim Koerper of Eleven in Lisbon, Portugal - 1 Michelin star
- Pedro Lemos of Pedro Lemos Restaurante in Porto, Portugal - 1 Michelin star
- Sergi Arola of LAB by Sergi Arola at Penha Longa Resort in Sintra, Portugal - 1 Michelin star
- Vitor Matos of Antiqvvm in Porto, Portugal - 1 Michelin star
8 June – Expand your culinary horizons with a series of masterclasses and workshops from our kitchen experts.
9 June – Head to the pool area for a special alfresco party, savouring special dishes cooked before your very eyes by Michelin-star chefs. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the views of the Madeira Atlantic Festival.
10 June – The festival comes to a show-stopping close with a special dinner. Eight Michelin-star chefs will each produce a dish to make an unforgettable nine-course menu, served in the stylish William Restaurant.
Madeira Atlantic Festival
9, 16, 23 & 30 June
Each Saturday in June, the skies come alive with a stunning show that blends incredible music with jaw-dropping fireworks. Shows begin at 10:30pm and last approximately 20 minutes. The superb location of Belmond Reid’s Palace allows you to watch from within our walls.
July
Sultry tones and white gowns at the ready
Funchal Jazz Festival
12 – 14 July
Organised by Funchal City Hall and held at Santa Catarina Park, enjoy performances from acclaimed national and international jazz artists in a stunning open-air setting.
Summer White Party
21 July
The summer’s most hotly anticipated event. Dress in white, head to our pool, and look forward to culinary excellence. Cocktails, a delicious buffet dinner and spirited live entertainment make for an enchanting, family-friendly evening.
September
Raise a toast to the end of the summer
Madeira Wine Festival
3 – 9 September
Celebrate Madeira’s traditional viticulture as the island undergoes the grape harvest. Funchal’s centre is decorated with casks and barrels. Street entertainment, including folklore parades and live music, are accompanied by tastings and exhibitions.
Bye Bye Summer Party
22 September
Celebrate the end of the summer with a spectacular party at Belmond Reid’s Palace. Additional information coming soon.
October
Celebrate beauty, both inside and out
Madeira Nature Festival
2 – 7 October
Discover the astounding nature of Madeira. Enjoy a range of activities, suitable for all ages, on land, in the sea and in the air.
Wellness Week at Belmond Reid’s Palace
2–7 October
Complementing the Madeira Nature Festival, find a host of holistic activities within our walls. Set off on beautiful morning walks, master the art of paddle boarding, find balance with yoga or pilates, and indulge in one of our exclusive spa programmes.
December
Savour the sparkle of the season
Festive Season at Belmond Reid’s Palace
1 December 2018 – 6 January 2019
Get caught up in the festive magic at Belmond Reid’s Palace. From sophisticated Grand Balls and enchanting concerts to exclusive tours and culinary treats, we’ll help you end the year in style.