Festa dos Compadres Carnival Opening in Santana, Madeira

The Festa dos Compadres opens the Carnival season in Madeira. It is a tradition of more than 50 years, celebrated with great enthusiasm and known for its originality.

Giant figures parade with humour, colour and joy through the streets of a picturesque town on Madeira's north coast. The festival culminates in the traditional Trial and Burning of the Compadres, combining social critique, humour and tradition.