Atlantic Festival
Every year in June, the bay of Funchal is filled with the music and colour of four pyro-musical shows
For almost a century, the bay of Funchal has been known for the magnificent fireworks display that marks New Year's Eve. But for about 20 years now, the magic also happens in June, with the Atlantic Festival.
It is an event dedicated, precisely, to fireworks, through pyro-musical shows, performed from the outer pier of the Port of Funchal. This year, 2022, they will take place on June 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th.
Per tradition, the shows, always at 10:30 pm on Saturday nights, represent different countries. This is reflected in the pyrotechnic motifs and also in the music, which contributes to the kind of choreography that is a pyromusical show.
This participation of countries is shaped as a competition between companies, and a winner is chosen every year based on the public's vote.
The Atlantic Festival is a set of moments of rare beauty. For 20 minutes, a myriad of unique colours rise to the skies over the bay of Funchal, greeting the arrival of summer. The fireworks can be seen from downtown Funchal, where it is possible to follow the music, but they can also be seen from any point of the city's natural amphitheatre, where beauty is also assured.
The festival also has a set of associated events, such as the Regional Arts Week, the Popular Saints Festival, and the Atlantic Roots Festival. All to enliven Saturdays in June.