Childbirth Masses (Missas do Parto)

From the second half of December until Christmas eve, 9 days in a row, Madeirans get up at the crack of dawn to participate in the masses honoring Our Lady.

The nine masses symbolize the nine months of the Virgin Mary’s pregnancy, leading up to the birth of Jesus.

After mass, in the church square, people share sandwiches of “carne de vinha d’alhos” (pork in wine and garlic), homemade liquors, songs and joy of the Christmas spirit. This is surely one of the best ways to get to know Madeirans’ Christmas spirit.