Actually, February is carnival time just about anywhere. It’s the season that there’s not much happening out in those fields. On the other hand, it’s a short month, and spring is just ahead…
Carnival is a great time to vacation if you plan your trip to southerly climes. In Funchal, on the Portuguese island of Madeira, grilled swordfish and Madeira wine takes center stage in restaurants and on the streets. Samba troops wiggle enough flesh to last a month or so in a street carnival that involves everybody who can move in a sexy way and a few who can’t. A parade with floats is held on February 21. After the parade folks get all gussied up for the ball at the Praça do Município. On the last night, Tuesday, a parade of costumed caricatures takes place, followed by prizes for the best-dressed.
It’s like they’ve reversed puritanism, isn’t it? Carnival is the time to let it all hang out, to have fun in ways that would otherwise be illegal or scare the horses.
Get a villa or apartment in Funchal for a week and then watch it all come together.
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