Popular Saints

Throughout Madeira island, the month of June is synonymous with celebration in praise of the three popular saints. All parishes celebrate these festivities more or less intensively.

The Festivities in honour of Saint Anthony are centred in the parish with the same name, in the municipality of Funchal. The night of the 12th to the 13th of June is marked by the traditional Portuguese parade called “marchas populares”.

The Feast of Saint John is celebrated on 24th June. In the past, the Chapel of São João da Ribeira, in Funchal, was one of the most popular festivals in the entire region. Nowadays the entertainment is centred around Praça do Carmo, in Funchal, with the well-known "Altars of St. John”.

The Feasts of Saint Peter, the patron saint of fishermen, is held from 28th to 29th June, when all eyes turn towards the village of Ribeira Brava. All roads lead to this festival, also known for its musical entertainment, popular marches and for the boat trip that some maritime transport companies carry out between Funchal and Ribeira Brava.