596th Anniversary Session Held on January 20, 2026 at Casa da Cultura
Câmara de Lobos marked the 596th anniversary of its parish yesterday on January 20, 2026, during a formal session at the Casa da Cultura auditorium. The ceremony served as a public moment to assess the parish’s path and to outline priorities for the years ahead.
Mayor Says “Reference Parish” Status Followed 30 Years of Change
During his speech, the mayor of Câmara de Lobos, Celso Bettencourt, said the parish is now seen as a reference within the region. He added that current achievements should be treated as a base for further work.
Câmara de Lobos is today a reference parish. In the past, it faced stigmas that were overcome, and today it is a modern parish, with hotel units and development that 30 years ago seemed unthinkable
Some of the stigmas historically associated with Câmara de Lobos included:
Being economically limited, with few modern services or tourism infrastructure.
Viewed as socially conservative or less “progressive” than urban centers.
Perceived as struggling with poverty or limited opportunities.
Mobility, Accessibility, Agriculture and Fishing Remain Unresolved Issues
Linking past progress to present needs, Mr. Bettencourt pointed to areas that still require action.
We have problems to solve: mobility, accessibility, support for the agricultural sector and fishing
He explained that planned investments depend on close coordination between the parish council and the municipal chamber to deliver concrete results for residents.
Parish Budget Rose From €200,000 in 2013 to €700,000–€800,000
The mayor highlighted financial growth as one result of long-term cooperation. He said the parish budget increased from around €200,000 in 2013 to between €700,000 and €800,000 today, crediting consistent administrative work by the parish council with backing from the municipality. Parish budgets are small because their responsibilities are limited, for example:
Maintenance of small local streets and paths
Cleaning of public spaces
Management of parish buildings
Support for local cultural and social activities
Minor repairs and community services
They do not manage:
Major infrastructure projects
Large public works
Education or health systems
Municipal taxation
Municipal Support of €265,000 in 2026 Exceeds State Funding
In 2026, the parish will receive €265,000 from the municipal chamber, compared with €245,000 from the State budget. Mr. Bettencourt described the transfer as steady institutional support, saying that the work of the parish council also serves the wider municipality.
Mayor Signals Continuity and Backs New Parish Council President
Closing the session, the mayor promised ongoing cooperation during the current mandate and dismissed political disputes as secondary. Addressing the new parish council president, Filipe Freitas, he said: “I know you will do an excellent job.”
Source: Diário de Notícias Madeira
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