Blog written by Rugilė Ribačionkaitė — Year 2025
Madeira Friends invited its community of international supporters, alongside local families and guests to enjoy an afternoon of Madeiran culture and heritage together. The event featured traditional Madeiran music and folk dances by local groups, bringing everyone to their feet and filling Prediclub’s courtyard with energy and joy.
Delicious Bites and Local Flavours
After many steps on the dance floor, no arraial festival would be complete without delicious traditional food to regain the energy. Big thanks to the local chefs that prepared Madeiran espetada,** bolo do caco**, **milho frito **as well as tasty desserts and refreshing poncha — of course.
A Celebration With Meaning
This year’s celebration carried a special message. The colorful setup for the Quinta Prediclub was crafted by the patients of Casa de Saúde São João de Deus, a local mental health institution. These artists didn’t just decorate the venue — they inspired. Their poems about everyday objects reminded us all to slow down, stay hopeful and be kind.
*“Thank you for such a wonderful party. It was beautifully organized and truly memorable.” *— Joan Davies, Madeira Friends supporter
Music is better. When the community is together.
The warm feeling of the community was swinging in the air. People from all backgrounds came together at Quinta Prediclub— some meeting for the first time, other community members reconnecting after a while — and shared laughs, stories, and dance moves. There was a little bit of everything for everyone: music lovers, foodies, families with kids, and those just happy to enjoy a chilled poncha in good company :)
As the day came to an end, it was clear that this event was more than just a a arraial— it was a celebration of what happens when people connect, collaborate, and simply enjoy being together. A big thank you to everyone who made it special — we’re already looking forward to the next one!
Be Part of It
Madeira Friends is dedicated to building Madeira’s future, a home for locals and internationals. Become a Madeira Friends supporter and be part of our growing community. Let’s celebrate culture and friendship together!
*On 27th July 2025, Prediclub Real Estate Agency, in partnership with Madeira Friends, brought the spirit of Madeira to life with a joyful and authentic arraial at Quinta Prediclub in Funchal. It was the second time Madeira Friends joined this celebration — and somehow, it felt even more meaningful, more magical, and more connected than ever before.*