Arraial de São Vicente - Madeira

The São Vicente Festival is probably one of the biggest and most attended festivals on the island.

It takes place every year, in the last week of August and people from all round the island meet here to celebrate the festivities, transforming this occasion into a truly rich and animated celebration of tradition. This festival is also a good reason for emigrants to visit their homeland.

Food and drink stalls serving bolo do caco (a local bread), regional espetada (beef cubed on a stick and grilled over an open fire), grilled chicken, wine and soft drinks are everywhere to be found.

The festival is animated by several musical performances which continue all through the night and end the following morning.

If you wish to take part in something really local, then you will not want to miss this.