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Funchal Carnival 2027: official dates, parades and where to watch
The Grand Allegorical Parade, the Cortejo Trapalhão, and how to plan around both.
Funchal Carnival 2027 runs with a city-wide programme from 3 to 14 February. The Grand Allegorical Parade takes place on 5 and 6 February, the Solidarity and Children's Carnival on 5 February, and the satirical Cortejo Trapalhão on 9 February. A planning warning: Carnival 2027 falls early, nearly a week and a half before the 2026 edition.
In short
Funchal Carnival 2027 runs with a city-wide programme from 3 to 14 February. The Grand Allegorical Parade takes place on 5 and 6 February, the Solidarity and Children's Carnival on 5 February, and the satirical Cortejo Trapalhão on 9 February. A planning warning: Carnival 2027 falls early, nearly a week and a half before the 2026 edition.
Programme at a glance
| What | When |
|---|---|
| City-wide programme in downtown Funchal | 3 to 14 February |
| Solidarity Carnival and Children's Carnival | 5 February |
| Grand Allegorical Parade | 5 and 6 February |
| Cortejo Trapalhão | 9 February |
The two carnivals of Funchal
They are festivals of different natures. The Grand Allegorical Parade is the formal spectacle, with troupes, floats and thousands of performers descending the Avenida do Mar. It is the image of Madeiran Carnival that travels the world. The Cortejo Trapalhão, on the Tuesday, is the opposite: satirical, improvised, with homemade costumes and humour about current politics and society. Many Madeirans prefer the second.
Tips from people who live here
- Arrive early for the allegorical parade. The spots along the barriers on Avenida do Mar are taken hours in advance.
- February is not summer. Evenings are cool and the parade is long: bring an extra layer.
- Beyond Funchal: the Festa dos Compadres in Santana traditionally opens the festivities weeks earlier, with the trial and burning of the giant figures. It is the rural and older version of Madeiran Carnival, and almost no visitor knows about it.
- Accommodation: parade days are peak pressure. Book months ahead.
Frequently asked questions
When is the main parade in 2027?
On 5 and 6 February. The Cortejo Trapalhão is on 9 February.
Do I need a ticket?
The parades are free to watch from public streets. There are paid seated areas in some zones, and restaurant balconies with reservations.
Is it worth it with children?
Yes, and the Children's Carnival on 5 February is designed for exactly that.
Planning a trip around Madeira's events calendar? Talk to us and we'll help you build the right itinerary around Carnival dates, accommodation and transfers.
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