São Pedro Festivities 2026 - Ribeira Brava
The traditional São Pedro Festivities, in honour of the patron saint of fishermen, light up Ribeira Brava on 28 and 29 June with processions, charolas, fireworks and the famous Sword Dance. One of Madeira's largest religious festivals, drawing crowds to the fishing village.
The São Pedro Festivities are among the most iconic religious celebrations on the island of Madeira and the major June event in Ribeira Brava. Although the official patron saint of the parish is São Bento, it is São Pedro — protector of fishermen — who draws the greatest popular devotion, reflecting the village's strong maritime heritage.
The festival kicks off on 28 June at noon with the traditional 'girândola de fogo' fireworks display announcing the start of celebrations. During the afternoon, several philharmonic bands parade through town collecting offerings, while the typical charolas — spherical wrought-iron structures decorated with local agricultural produce — are paraded alongside boats filled with fruit and vegetables, symbols of gratitude for the harvest and pleas for fertility in the coming year.
On 29 June, the liturgical day of São Pedro, the festive Mass is celebrated at the Church of São Bento, followed by the grand procession through the village streets. The cortege features the image of São Pedro, a miniature boat, musicians, clergy, brotherhoods and the impressive Sword Dance (Dança das Espadas), a unique folk performance in the archipelago.
Throughout the two days, the historic centre fills with stalls offering traditional Madeiran food — including 'espetada' on bay-leaf skewers, 'bolo do caco' bread, fried corn and the local 'poncha' drink. Musical entertainment continues into the night with philharmonic bands, folk groups and DJs, culminating in spectacular fireworks displays over the bay.
Historically, cabotage boats transported pilgrims from across the island to attend, and even today Ribeira Brava welcomes visitors from all over Madeira and abroad. It is a unique opportunity to experience the fishing soul of the village and dive into Madeira's religious and secular traditions.
