The origin of the “Compadres”

foto: visitmadeira

Carnival in Madeira starts in the north. The traditional and very popular “feast of the compadres” is the starting point for one of the biggest attractions of the island, but this doesn’t mean that there are that many tourists in Santana.

The feast of Compadres always takes place one week before the mardi gras weekend, and this year this is to take place in February 18^th and 19^th, even though the first meeting of the compadres is scheduled for the 16^th, but this will be somewhat more discreet.

The concept goes back to the early 20^th century, when rivalries and satire between different families was quite common. The postman was in the centre stage, because he would carry the messages, sometimes quite spicy, between the families. As to the parade, this took place for the first time in 1964, going through the main streets of Santana. A few giant effigies are walked around, the same one that will be put on trial on Sunday, accused and judged in front of the crowds. They are accused of everything, swindling, treason, corruption, with everything centered in politics and social satire.

This year the “compadres” have made a coffin, remaking the burial of the “comadre”, and some couples (“compadres” and “comadres”) went around the town praying and crying for the deceased. The effigy, made of rags, will then be appreciated by all who want to.

The event, which boosts occupation rates in the Santana hotels, finished with the judgment of the “Compadres” and “Comadres”, accused of varied unfaithfulnesses, and who will then be publicly burned for the enjoyment of the many hundreds of visitors. There’ll be heaps of local delicacies, and plenty of music and entertainment.

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