05.05.2024

Domingo - Sunday, actually rest, but we are rested and today is the highlight that you can/must experience at this time on Madeira: the flower parade! But first things first! In the morning we took a taxi to Funchal to the Botanical Garden. It is also terraced, the plants are all well labelled and this includes the names of their countries of origin. We were impressed by the collection of succulents, cacti of gigantic size and biblical age. It can't be any other way in Mexico. It is fun to stroll through the well-kept grounds. Again and again you discover plants that you can also find in the flower shop at home, but much smaller. Afterwards we took the cable car to the Tropical Garden, which is really tropical. Here, too, there are many flowers, trees from all over the world, waterfalls, flamingos, swans... The history of Portugal is "told" in beautiful tile pictures, and old coats of arms, sculptures and mineral collections can also be viewed in the extensive park. Many winding paths ensure that the large number of visitors do not get in each other's way. We took the cable car back "down". Time to stroll, people watch, find a place in the stands. It started promptly at 4:30 p.m., everything was well organized, and the audience was provided with matching show hats. A large number of dancers spun past us in dreamlike costumes to the appropriate music and choreography. It was a feast for the ears and eyes. There were participants of all ages, as well as disabled people, who showed their zest for life!! Each group had large show floats with them, decorated with wonderful, fresh flowers. Thousands danced past us in 2.10 hours and it was good that it was not so hot! It was the 40th parade and the level of professionalism was hard to beat! So if you're travelling to Madeira, you should go at this time! There are many other events on the programme, such as concerts, exhibitions and markets, until May 29th, but the flower parade is really the highlight and is loved by the locals too. Finding a taxi afterwards took a little longer because everyone wanted to go home, but every restaurant is happy to have guests and...we're on holiday!