16th Century Market
Machiquo, Land of Fire
June 7th, 8th, 9th, 2024

A Journey Through History:
The Significance of Fire in Madeira
We continue our journey through the history of Madeira, an archipelago of volcanic origin. Fire, a central element in the region’s history, is said to have engulfed the island for seven years, according to some accounts. These stories, imbued with romanticism, portray the harshness of new beginnings, where fire manifests as an element of nature and an intrinsic factor in the dynamics of human life. Fire warms and brings people together, providing moments of conviviality and comfort. The flame allows for cooking, perfecting manufacturing techniques, and even war tactics. Its light dispels the darkness, allowing for exploration of new paths, demystifying beliefs, and expanding knowledge. Fire, while essential, is also capable of arousing fears and feeding the intangible, giving rise to popular legends and beliefs. It was from this complex relationship with fire that villages and traditions were forged, placing Machico and Madeira on the world routes.
We invite you to join us on another journey through the collective experiences of 16th century Machiquo!

June 7^th – Between Heaven and Hell
4:00 PM: Official opening of the Market
4:30 PM: Period dramatization
5:00 PM: Children’s Hour
7:00 PM: Horseback Jousting Tournament
9:00 PM: Procession of the Commendation of Souls
10:30 PM: Fire theatre “Torch of Passions”
11:00 PM: Atlantic Festival – Fireworks Display “Fire of Purification”
12:00 AM: Closing

June 8^th – By Iron and Fire
4:00 PM: Reopening of the Market
4:30 PM: Disembarkation
5:00 PM: Fire Procession
6:00 PM: Period dramatizations “Enactment of the Fire Regiment”
7:00 PM: Horseback Jousting Tournament
10:00 PM: Toadas (folk songs) and galhardas (galliards) in honour of Machico
11:00 PM: Fire theatre “Land of Fire”
11:30 PM: Fireworks Display “Fire Prison”
12:00 AM: Closing

June 9^th – Girandolas of Light
4:00 PM: Reopening of the Market
6:00 PM: Period dramatizations
7:00 PM: Horseback Jousting Tournament
9:00 PM: Rhapsody of bagpipes and drums
10:00 PM: Show “Torches of the seashore”
12:00 AM: Closing