National Musical Instruments
One of Madeira’s trademarks, the ‘brinquinho’ or ‘bailhinho’ is a handcrafted percussion instrument, used by folk groups to mark the beat and as an accompaniment to singing and music. It is thought to derive from the ‘charola’ or ‘cana de bonecos,’ an instrument used in the Minho and Douro regions in continental Portugal. Dressed in typical costumes, the fabric dolls that form the ‘brinquinho’ (normally seven male and female gures) hold castanets and ribbons. They are arranged at the end of a dista , around two or more uneven circular arches.
Old Toys
A journey through the history of the toy takes us through cultures, styles, ways of life, use of materials and tools. Originally, toys were produced by the domestic industry of any population. This took place on a small scale and served speci c needs.
Until the rst half of the 20th century, the two large poles of production were Lisbon and Porto, with most toys being made of paper paste, wood, lead, tinplate and iron.
One of the most successful toys was miniature cars, which became a leader in the global miniatures market, with the Portuguese taxi being the most popular.
Flower Festival
The name ‘Garden of the Atlantic’ is given to the Madeira archipelago because of the quantity and diversity of owers adorning the islands.
In spring, the Flower Festival is celebrated to pay tribute to these wonders of nature. This initiative is cherished by residents and tourists alike.
The event lasts around a week and includes allegorical oats, shop window and ower garden oral contests, the construction of oral carpets and the ceremony of the ‘Wall of Hope, where children parade with a ower and place it on the ‘Wall of Hope’ in the Town Hall Square in Funchal.
The beauty of the festival lies in the perfume and colours of the owers that take over the city, as well as all the groups in traditional costumes who infuse the streets with their joy.
Castles and Fortifications
In Funchal, at Pico dos Frias, you will nd the São João Baptista Fortress.
At the time of its building, in the second half of the 17th century, under the aegis of the Philippine dynasty, the fortress served as a gunpowder store for the forts and towers of the island.
In the mid-20th century, the S. João Baptista do Pico Fortress was given to the Navy, who set up the Navy Communications Centre there, popularly known as Pico-Rádio.
S. João Baptista do Pico Fortress still has its original structure, in the Mannerist style and with four pentagonal bulwarks.
The Fruits of Portugal
The ‘Anona’ (custard apple) of Madeira is thought to have originated in Peru and Equador and was introduced to Madeira in the 17th century by Madeirans returning from South America, following the discovery of the new territories. Currently, this tree is cultivated throughout the region, having met with the ideal conditions in terms of soil and climate.
The ‘anona’, a subtropical fruit, has white, creamy and juicy pulp. It can be used in the production of liqueurs and desserts.
In 2000, the European Union gave the Madeiran ‘Anona’ the status of Protected Designation of Origin.
