Madeira January Events 2026

January 2026 in Madeira is a time of celebration and rejuvenation, marked by a variety of events that showcase the island’s unique culture and stunning winter beauty. This month often features the tail end of the festive Christmas and New Year celebrations, including impressive fireworks and lively street parties. Visitors can also enjoy traditional events that reflect Madeira’s rich cultural heritage, including music and dance performances.

The cooler but mild winter weather is ideal for exploring the island’s natural landscapes, with outdoor activities tailored to the season. January in Madeira offers a blend of festive joy and the serene beauty of the island, perfect for travelers seeking a mix of celebration and relaxation.

The Christmas and New Year Celebrations end in January. It’s time to clear out the cupboards and regain our strength for Carnival, which is not far away. Events Madeira

“Cantar os Reis” – Twelfth Night Songs | Municipal Garden of Funchal

January, 5th | 8:00 pm
The “Encontros da Eira” Cultural Association, a musical group dedicated to the Madeira traditional music, will organize and produce the traditional twelfth night songs in the auditorium of the Municipal Garden of Funchal.This event marks the end of the New Year’s festivities and seeks to recreate traditional popular songs that former inhabitants used to sing on this day, door to door, in several local parishes around the island.

Madeira Orienteering Festival 

09/01/2026 to 11/01/2026
Madeira Orienteering Festival takes place from 9 to 11 January 2026 across several locations on Madeira. This multi-day event brings together orienteering athletes from different countries to compete in varied terrains, combining technical navigation with the island’s diverse landscapes, from urban areas to rugged natural settings.

Santo Amaro Feast 2026 (Santa Cruz)

14/01/2026 to 17/01/2026
This religious festivity marks the occasion when families gather to dismantle their Nativity scenes “lapinhas” and “sweep the larder clean” – a tradition that consists in visiting family and friends to share the last holiday’s delights.“Santo Amaro” is celebrated throughout the entire island of Madeira, but it’s in the municipality of Santa Cruz where this festivity is celebrated in honour of its patron saint, in a particularly festive and ceremonial way, setting the end of the Christmas holidays.

Funchal Marathon 2026

17/01/2026
The Funchal Marathon, held in Madeira Island, is a notable sporting event that encompasses three different races: a marathon, a half marathon, and a mini marathon. Organized by the Madeira Athletics Association, the event is known for its stunningly scenic routes that showcase the natural beauty of the island. This marathon attracts a diverse group of athletes from various nationalities, making it a significant and multicultural athletic occasion. More info.

Madeira Panelo Feast 2026 (Porto Moniz)

24/01/2026 to 25/01/2026
This is a famous and old Madeira tradition enjoyed with a special feeling by the local residents of Seixal, a small village located near Porto Moniz.This social gathering takes place at Chão da Ribeira, on the last Sunday morning of the month of January, where  families come together to prepare the “Panelo”, a culinary dish made of vegetables and blood sausage, very similar to “Cozido á Portuguesa” (Portuguese stew).This commemoration also features stalls, selling local food and drinks, along with lots of entertainment.

Here are useful sources in English with direct URLs where you can confirm and follow updates for events in Madeira:

Madeira Regional Government Cultural Agenda (Cultura Madeira) – Official cultural programme listing events such as concerts, exhibitions, festivals and other cultural activities organised or endorsed by the Regional Government.
https://cultura.madeira.gov.pt/en/home/to-get-to-know/cultural-agenda.html

Events Madeira – Official Event Listings – Official guide with event lists and dates across Madeira, including cultural, musical, sporting and other public events. You can browse by date or type of event, and often find details about specific listings like concerts or festivals.
https://eventsmadeira.com/en

Important notes

• January is a quieter month for tourism, but culturally active, especially with traditional festivities and classical music concerts.
• Exact concert programmes and some sports schedules are usually confirmed closer to the date (November–December 2026).
• Religious and traditional events listed above occur every year in January, making them reliable for planning.