Carnival Festivities – Madeira Island

from February 15th to the 22nd

The Carnival spirit returns to cheer up Funchal’s downtown between the 15th and the 22nd of February.
For a week, the season’s rhythms, called upon the sounds of marches and philharmonic bands, will turn Funchal into a stage by Excellency, for an annual festivity that links perfection, joy, party, satire and amusement, involving and arousing locals and visitors’ attention.

The great Carnival Parade, which brings together close to a thousand participants in a unique colour that lightens up the main streets of Funchal, will be on the road on the 18th, a Saturday Night.

The holiday programme ends on Shrove Tuesday, on the 21st, with the “Slapstick Parade”, on which hundreds of participants dishallow with their very own dynamic, humour and satire all together. All this carnival merriment finds its way into the Mar Square (Praça do Mar), where, on the pinnacle of the occasion and in a bashing climate, prizes are given to the most creative costumes.

Karneval auf Madeira
15. – 22. Februar

Vom  15. bis 22. Februar ist Funchal in den Händen der Narren.
Mit viel Musik und bunten Kostümen wird der Karnevalsgeist auf die Straßen und Plätze der Stadt gebracht. Das jährliche Karnevalsfest macht Funchal zu einer Bühne in Perfektion, wo Einheimische und Touristen eine Woche lang die Atmosphäre des bunten Treibens verfolgen können.

Bei bekannten  Melodien tanzen und singen verschiedene Gruppen und Orchester auf den  Straßen. Satire, Spaß und Freude stehen im Mittelpunkt. Am Samstagabend  18.02.2012, wird der große Karnevalsumzug, mit über 1000 Teilnehmern, vielen bunten, einzigartigen Festwagen, den Hauptstraßen Funchals, einen ganz besonderen Glanz verleihen.

Festas de Carnaval
15 a 22 de Fevereiro

O espírito de Carnaval volta em força para animar a cidade do Funchal, entre os dias 15 e 22 de Fevereiro.
Durante uma semana, os ritmos próprios da época, evocados ao som das marchas e das bandas filarmónicas, farão, do Funchal, o palco por excelência de uma festa que, anualmente, associa, na perfeição, a alegria, a animação, a sátira e a folia, envolvendo e despertando as atenções de residentes e visitantes.

O grande Cortejo Alegórico, que reúne cerca de mil foliões num colorido único que abrilhanta as principais artérias do Funchal, sai à rua na noite de sábado, dia 18, desfilando desde a Praça da Autonomia, na Avenida do Mar e das Comunidades Madeirenses até ao final da Avenida Francisco Sá Carneiro, concentrando-se na Praça do Mar.

O Programa de Festas culmina na terça-feira de Carnaval, dia 21, com o “Cortejo Trapalhão”, no qual centenas de foliões desfilam com uma dinâmica muito própria, humor e sátira à mistura. Toda esta folia carnavalesca encontra o seu auge na Praça do Mar, local onde, em ambiente de festa, se entregam os prémios aos mais criativos.

Christmas Traditions in Madeira

Madeira’s holy crib, known as “lapinha” is assembled a few days prior to Christmas over a wood ladder, decorated with small bowls with growing rye or wheat, donkey images, sheep and wild greens (“cabrinhas”), “brindeiros” (small loafs of bread), season’s fruit (apples, English tomato and tangerines) and an oil lamp.

At dawn, on the Childbirth Masses, celebrated before Christmas, Madeireans surrender to the ancient tradition of the “pig’s killing”, which meat is used to cook the unique “carne de vinho e alhos” (pork in garlic and wine marinate). The delicious and renowned honey cake, made from sugar cane molasses, dried fruit and spices, which also, in this season, decorates the table.

Find out more at: http://www.visitmadeira.pt

Madeira Island Country Hotel – Quinta Casa Velha do Palheiro, is a graceful luxury 5 star Golf resort with 37 luxurious rooms and a full Spa.

Torneio Bola Amarela

No passado Domingo, dia 11 de Dezembro, realizou-se no Palheiro Golfe o último torneio do calendário de 2011 – a Competição Bola Amarela.
Este torneio foi um torneio de equipas, cada uma composta por 3 jogadores que receberam no início do jogo uma bola amarela. O objectivo era não
perder a bola e quem a perdesse era automaticamente desclassificado, continuando apenas na classificação individual.
Das 20 equipas inscritas neste torneio 10 chegaram ao fim com a bola amarela.
A equipa vencedora foi a tripla de juniores composta por Brandon Hobley, Declan Hobley e Pedro Moreira, com 43 pontos.
Em 2º lugar ficaram Edgar Rodrigues, Tiago Gonçalves e João Pedro Gonçalves, com 40 pontos.
Em 3º lugar, com 38 pontos Hilary Smith; Roger Smith e David Hodge. Na classificação individual o vencedor foi Hilary Smith, com 38 pontos,
seguindo-se Andrew Reynolds, com 37 pontos e em 3º lugar ficou Michael Otto com 36 pontos.
Na categoria júnior, Tiago Gonçalves fez uns magníficos 46pontos, seguindo-se Pedro Moreira, com 45 pontos e em 3º lugar ficou Nuno
Camacho, com 43 pontos. De salientar ainda, que Hillary Smith, fez um fantástico Hole in One no buraco 7.
Após o torneio realizou-se o já tradicional almoço de Natal, no Restaurante do Clubhouse, onde foram entregues vários prémios de diferentes competições realizadas ao longo do ano que agora finda, bem como dos Matchplays e também dos Eclécticos. O Capitão do Clube, Denis Camacho falou um pouco sobre o calendário para o próximo ano, que será mais
preenchido e falou um pouco sobre os Campeonatos da Madeira que serão disputados entre os 3 campos da região ( Palheiro Golfe; Santo da Serra e Porto Santo). Para fechar o dia em grande houve uma tômbola com vários prémios, que foram sorteados pelos jogadores participantes do torneio.
Foi um dia muito agradável, tendo o tempo como seu aliado, com uma temperatura amena e o sol a marcar presença. Um dia bom para o golfe e para o convívio dos sócios, e já com um cheirinho a Natal!

Patrícia Rodrigues
Coordenadora do Clube

Palheiro Golfe – Madeira Island

O grupo de cerca de 10 jovens carenciados pertencentes ao Centro Comunitário “Integrar e Desenvolver” promovido pelo Centro Social e Paroquial de Santa Cecília pertencente ao Bairro da Palmeira, visitaram o Palheiro Golfe onde tiveram a oportunidade de experimentar este magnifico desporto que é o golfe, com vários exercícios técnicos e pedagógicos leccionados pelo Profissional Edgar Rodrigues.
No final das actividades foi notória nas expressões dos jovens jogadores a satisfação, o divertimento e a vontade de repetir.”

Edgar Rodrigues
Profissional de Golf

Christmas and New Year Celebrations – Madeira Festivities
From the 8th of December to the 6th of January of 2012

The arrival of the decorative lights in the streets of the city centre of Funchal, during the month of December, marks the beginning of the Christmas and New Year festivities.
These commemorations consist of a rich and extensive programme of cultural, religious, ethnographic and artistic manifestations that takes place throughout the entire month of December and ends with the celebration of Twelfth Night.

At this time of the year, Funchal transforms itself into a crib of real life proportions, the streets become decorated with multi-coloured flowers and lights of all sizes, forming shapes and figures allusive to the season. In the streets and squares, everyone partakes in the sound of the contagious music of the concerts, the performances of the philharmonic bands and of the folklore groups, in addition to the Christmas exhibitions, authentic living portraits of Madeirean traditions.

In Madeira, the preparations for “A Festa” (the Festivity) are lived with special enthusiasm, which is the nickname that the Madeireans have given to identify Christmas as their party par excellence. They commence at the beginning of December with the setting up of the “lapinha” (crib) and with the confection of various delicacies and pastries, namely the famous honey cake, corn bread, homemade liqueurs and the preparation of pork in wine and garlic, which is one of the most famous culinary dishes of Madeira.
Another living tradition of this season is the celebration of the 9 Childbirth Masses, which take place at dawn to announce the Birth of the Boy Jesus, accompanied by hymns sung by locals, normally in churchyards, filled with Christmas decorations and where traditional drink and food typical of the season is offered to those present. On 23rd December the traditional Market Night Party celebration is held, where the Madeireans do their last-minute Christmas shopping and where one can savour the various traditional snacks and drinks of the season.
After the Christmas commemorations the high spirits continue, in anticipation of the New Year Festivities, with the famous fireworks display, officially recognized by the  Guinness World Records, in 2006, as the greatest display of fireworks in the world. This magnificent scenario, of rare beauty, is simply unique, with thousands of multi-coloured lamps decorating the amphitheatre of Funchal, transforming it into a grandiose stage. As the clock strikes twelve, on the 31st, the sky is lit up with colour, light and hope in a new year that is just beginning.
Don’t miss it and come lo live up this event in Madeira!

Funchal Old Quarter hosts a cultural Urban Art project designed by José María Montero Zyberchema, in partnership with several entities including João Carlos Abreu , Funchal City Hall, apart from other entities such as “Navega Bem” and “Acontece Madeira”.

For more information please visit: http://www.arteportasabertas.com

8th December to 6th January 2012 – Christmas Lights, Decorations and Exhibitions

31st December – New Year’s Eve Firework Display

Beginning on the 8th of December, the preparations for Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations will commence.

The main streets of downtown Funchal will be decorated with colourful lights, composing the most varied designs evocative of the Christmas season on the island. Take the opportunity to come shopping for Christmas or simply stroll in the small and typical streets which invite to a union and harmony spirit, with us and with others.

Book your Special packages for Christmas and New Year with  us  JOIN  on this special time of year!

Palheiro Clubhouse Restaurant

The Palheiro Golf Clubhouse Restaurant offers a refined menu of traditional Portuguese and southern European dishes, served with a contemporary twist and spiced with flavours from the orient.

The restaurant, managed by the nearby Madeira Island Hotel Casa Velha do Palheiro, is situated within the golf course clubhouse and enjoys a reputation as a noted fine dining venue.

Golfers can enjoy pre- or post-round drinks and snacks in stylish surroundings and later order anything from a nourishing Club Sandwich to a delicious three-course à la carte lunch or early dinner.

The restaurant also welcomes non-golfers to its tables.

The panoramic veranda affords some of the most breathtaking views in Madeira, and is a favourite spot for an evening cocktail over a beautiful sunset.

Madeira Hotel – Quinta Casa Velha do Palheiro – Luxury Golf Resort

Visit the website here: www.casa-velha.com

Christmas & New Year Specials – Madeira Hotel – Quinta Casa Velha do Palheiro – Luxury Golf Resort

Special packages for Christmas and New Year

Special Christmas Package

Accommodation in a Standard room, including breakfast
Special welcome gift upon arrival
Upgrade to a Superior room (subject to availability upon arrival)
Special Christmas dinners on 24th and 25th December
Free participation in hotel Christmas activities programme
1 Afternoon Tea per person at Casa Velha do Palheiro
1 Spa Treatment per person at Palheiro Spa (30min.)
Free access to Palheiro Gardens (on weekdays)
Free access to wet areas at Palheiro Spa

4 nights package – € 550,00 per person in double room
7 nights package – € 790,00 per person in double room
Valid until 26th December 2011

Special New Year Package

Accommodation in a Standard room, including breakfast
Special welcome gift upon arrival
Upgrade to a Superior room (subject to availability upon arrival)
Special New Years Eve dinner on 31st December
Free transportation to Clubhouse for the Fireworks display
Free participation in hotel Christmas activities programme
1 Afternoon Tea per person at Casa Velha do Palheiro
1 Spa Treatment per person at Palheiro Spa (30min.)
Free access to Palheiro Gardens (on weekdays)
Free access to wet areas at Palheiro Spa

4 nights package – € 650,00 per person in double room
7 nights package – € 950,00 per person in double room
As from 26th December 2011

Moynihans Open 2011

Pelo terceiro ano consecutivo realizou-se no passado domingo, no Palheiro
Golfe o Torneio Moynihan Open.
O Torneio contou com a presença de cerca de uma centena de jogadores, sendo
que a maioria dos participantes competem este torneio desde o primeiro ano,
muitos deles jogadores irlandeses que se deslocam propositadamente à Madeira
para participar neste animado evento.
O torneio teve início às 8h30 e mesmo com a chuva persistente, o torneio foi um
verdadeiro sucesso. O ambiente era de alegria e festa. Durante o percurso
houve várias surpresas e algumas competições extras.
O torneio encerrou já noite dentro, no Bar Moynhihans com a entrega de
prémios.
Brandon Hobley arrecadou o 1º lugar, com 36 pontos, seguindo-se Nick
Chambers, também com 36 pontos e em 3º lugar ficou Edward Maul, com 35
pontos.
Nas senhoras Anne O`Brian, foi a vencedora com 37 pontos, seguindo-se Sinead
Moynihan, com 31 pontos.
No drive mais longo tivemos como vencedores Dara Ford (homens) e Liz Fahy.
(senhoras) respectivamente, e na bola mais perto da Bandeira os vencedores
foram Mark Portlock (homens) e Pauline Lane. (Senhoras). Na competição
Drive Super longo os vencedores foram Joanthan Fletcher e Élia Handa.

Patrícia Rodrigues
Coordenadora