Celebrating spring and the exuberant blossoms characteristic of this season, even more evident in Madeira due to its subtropical climate, Funchal becomes the stage of a sumptuous show, as much visual, as fragrant: the Flower Festival.

Festivities begin on the morning of Saturday, 24 April, with the Children's parade, when thousands of children dressed up for the occasion, collect together at the city centre Municipal square, to take part in building a wall of flowers symbolically christened the "Wall of Hope".
The gathering of thousands of children from kindergartens, primary schools, junior schools and other education institutions is accompanied by shows, painting and other activities, carried out by the children or that the schools prepare specially for the occasion.

Another dazzling event, the Flower Festival Parade, takes place on the following day. Dozens of floats go on parade, exhibiting assortments of the typical flower species grown on the island, leaving their pleasant and ephemeral fragrance in the air.

On Sunday afternoon, thousands of enthusiasts line up on the main streets of Funchal to watch the Flower Festival Parade. It moves sumptuously through the city of Funchal to the sound of music in harmony with the spirit from the event.

In parallel with these events, there are other celebrations of the abundance of Flowers that complement and fill this celebration of the senses: Madeira's artists dedicate themselves to building impressive floral carpets that are carefully displayed on the streets and store window decoration contests are organized.
Traditional music and dance groups put on performances in the town. Members of the public may also choose to visit the Flower Exposition held at the Ateneu Comercial or watch Classical music concerts and several variety shows held for the occasion.

Since 1979 this festival has taken place not only in honour of the flowers of Madeira, but also to provide continuity to the genuine Madeira traditions. The Flower Festival transforms the city of Funchal into a gigantic stage for a number of days on which there are a variety of cultural and artistic entertainments.

The Flower Festival has come to captivate the attention of its audience over recent years and it has taken on relevance as a tourist attraction, gradually acquiring a position of indisputable importance in the regional tourist panorama. The 100% rate of hotel occupancy in Madeira at this time of the year is proof of this.