Madeira Public Holidays

About Madeira's holidays

Madeira observes all of Portugal's national holidays plus two regional ones: Madeira Day (1 July) and St. Stephen's Day / Primeira Oitava (26 December). There is also the Funchal municipal holiday (21 August). Shrove (Carnival) Tuesday, while optional nationally, is widely observed on the island.

Frequently asked questions

How many public holidays does Madeira have?

Madeira has all of Portugal's national holidays plus two regional ones: Madeira Day (1 July) and St. Stephen's Day / Primeira Oitava (26 December). There are also municipal holidays, such as Funchal Day (21 August).

What is Madeira Day?

The Day of the Autonomous Region of Madeira and the Madeiran Communities is celebrated on 1 July and marks the region's political autonomy.

Do shops and banks close on public holidays?

On most holidays, public services and banks close and many shops too; shopping malls and tourist areas usually stay open. In Funchal, shops may close on the municipal holiday (21 August).

Is Carnival a public holiday in Madeira?

Carnival Tuesday is not a mandatory national holiday, but it is widely observed in Madeira, where Carnival is one of the biggest celebrations of the year.