Dancilhas 2026 – World Dances and Music Festival
Dancilhas – World Dances and Music Festival returns to Madeira Island on 16–18 October 2026, bringing traditional folk dance and music from Portugal and abroad. The event revives the practice of the traditional ball, taking participants on a journey around the globe through dance workshops, music workshops, concerts and craft stalls.
This edition welcomes Parapente700, the Portugal-based duo of Eva Parmenter (concertina, vocals) and Denys Stetsenko (violin), known for their journeys through European folk traditions — from France and Italy to Sweden and Portugal — blending traditional repertoire with original compositions.
Programme
Venue: Jardim da Junta de Freguesia de São Martinho, Funchal (Sunday: Montado do Pereiro)
Friday, 16 October
19:00 – Estonian Dance Workshop (Oficina de Danças Estonianas) with Kaur Einasto & Simão Duarte
21:00 – Concert & Dance: Furnas do Cavalum (Madeira & Estonia)
23:00 – Concert & Dance: Trovadores de Rua (Madeira)
00:30 – Jam Folk
Saturday, 17 October
14:00 – Workshop: Making & Playing Idiophones (Oficina Saber Fazer & Idiofones) with José Camacho, on traditional Madeiran musical instruments
15:30 – Alentejo Dance Workshop "Armem-se os balhos!" with Margem Esquerda do Guadiana // Projeto Arquivo de Danças do Alentejo, Natércia Kuprian
16:30 – Dance Music from France Workshop with Keith Macdonald
17:30 – Swedish Traditional Dance Workshop with Anders & Maria Larsson
19:00 – Percussion Circle (Roda de Percussão) with Djem. Bring your instrument and join in!
21:00 – Concert & Dance: Anders & Maria Larsson (Sweden)
22:30 – Concert & Dance: Parapente700 (Lisbon)
00:00 – Jam Folk
Sunday, 18 October
Montado do Pereiro
11:00–17:00 – Community Picnic (Picnic Comunitário): shared lunch, Lengalengas (traditional rhymes) workshop with Helena Camacho, community games, time to connect and share
Good to know
Wristbands are required to take part in the festival. Spaces in the activities are limited.
Workshops must be booked in advance by email: associacaorodopiopitoresco@gmail.com
The programme is confirmed by the organizer's poster but may be subject to change.