They multiply as if there was no tomorrow, and we find them everywhere. The “noites do Mercado” (evening markets) have been taking place all around the island since last weekend, are around, and proliferate more than a virus. We stumble on them all the way from Pota do Pargo to Porto Santo, and we even visit them in series, in the same way we do with the Child Jesus novenas.
Those in the know say that it’s good for business, that these days one spends what we have and what we don’t, and the excuse to taste a poncha or a marinated pork sandwich goes well with some tangerines or custard apples.
In Madeira more than anywhere else in Portugal Christmas is lived by traditions from times immemorial and that reappeared for some reason. Vendors will mount their stalls everywhere, and itinerant salespersons will peddle their novelties in every parish of the island – every year. They are always the same, but so is the Christmas spirit, and Madeirans love this season more than any other.
Immigrants, returning by droves, smile with the scents of the streets and the human heat that only Madeira can deliver.
Pay attention to your agenda, leave the uncomfortable shoes at home, and put on one of those hats decorated with flashing lights. There’s no better way to instil Christmas joy into everybody around you. But before that, calibrate your voice and concentrate all your courage. You’ll need to enter the Funchal market, because half of Madeira is sure to be there this Friday evening. Everywhere between the Infante roundabout and the Old Town will be “market”. Enjoy!
Thanks a lot for the article post. Really Cool.