At Christmas, Madeira Island is transformed with large cribs, the traditional lapinha and many original cribs, with a long tradition, that surprise us at every moment, in the streets and squares of all Madeiran villages, towns and cities. The environment lived in public spaces, full of lights and colors, is something unexpected for those who come to visit the Archipelago at this time, especially attracted by the New Year's Eve party and its fireworks.
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Original nativity scenes on Madeira Island
A "Party”, as the Christmas season in Madeira is also known, it is a celebration that the framing and natural beauty of the region itself, with very green and rugged terrain, with hills and valleys, caves and fajãs, make it unique.

Visit Madeira and celebrate the “Party” that combines the Christian celebration with the profane party, from the slaughter of the pig, popular dances, songs and music with the special touch of tambourine, from little fly. little toy, the accordion, the ferrinhos and castanholas, is a balm for the body and soul.
But visiting Madeira these days is also discovering original cribs and the traditional lapinha on every corner, the fruit of the creativity and genuineness of the Madeiran people who, outside their homes, transmit to those who visit them the spirit of sharing and cooperation experienced between all, as well as the peculiar characteristics of each village. Large nativity scenes that fill us with joy.
Among many original nativity scenes, the most emblematic of Madeira Island is Lapinha, which, among many other configurations, stands out with the figure of the Child Jesus surrounded by the riches that the earth gives such as oranges, apples, nuts, wine and oil, lush ferns and colorful flowers, which very well illustrate the Christmas spirit of Madeirans, their attachment to nature and the land that gives them sustenance.
Some cribs that we found when visiting Madeira Island on this block.
Nativity scenes in Calheta


Nativity scene in Camacha

Lapinha and Nativity Scene at Curral das Freiras





In Santana

Capital of Madeira Island, Funchal




Nativity scene in Ponta do Sol


See too
- Monte Carts
- Nativity scene from Vila Real de Santo António
- Ronca de Elvas, an Elvas Christmas tradition