41st Regional Folklore Festival - 24 Hours of Dancing 2026
Madeira's biggest folklore festival returns to Santana for 24 consecutive hours of music, dance and tradition. Folk groups from the island and mainland Portugal celebrate Madeiran cultural identity in an unmissable free event.
The Regional Folklore Festival - 24 Hours of Dancing returns to Santana on July 4-5, 2026, celebrating its 41st edition. For 24 consecutive hours, from 9:00 AM Saturday to 6:00 PM Sunday, the village of Santana transforms into a genuine celebration of traditional Madeiran culture.
Founded in 1985 by the Municipality of Santana, this is the largest folklore festival in Madeira and one of the oldest in the archipelago. Folk groups from across the island and mainland Portugal take the stage in continuous rotation, without interruption, bringing the traditions, costumes and typical dances of their hometowns.
Visitors can enjoy the traditional Bailinho da Madeira, hear the unique sounds of the braguinha, rajão and viola de arame, and admire the colourful regional costumes - the red and yellow striped skirts worn by women and the pointed carapuça caps worn by men. There are also work songs, satirical singing duels (despiques), traditional games and displays of flower trays.
In the middle of the venue, beside the iconic Palheiros de Santana - the traditional A-frame thatched houses that are the architectural symbol of the village - you'll find stalls selling fruit, flowers and regional gastronomy. Visitors can taste Madeiran specialties such as bolo do caco bread, espetada (beef skewers on laurel wood), fried corn, honey cake and the famous poncha spirit.
Thousands of Madeiran emigrants plan their annual return to the island specifically around this weekend, making it one of the most significant events in Madeira's cultural calendar. Admission is free and no advance booking is required. Village cafés and restaurants operate extended hours throughout the event.
