Festival Opened at 09:30 at Baltazar Dias Theatre, Launching Three Days of Performances
The seventh Madeira Street Arts Festival officially opened this morning in Funchal, filling the city with color, music, and movement. The event began at 09:30 at the Baltazar Dias Municipal Theatre, where organizers launched a three-day celebration of creativity that extends to both Funchal and Calheta.
Festival spokesperson Rúben Silva said during the opening ceremony that art and culture “have the power to transform places and people.” Throughout the weekend, streets, squares, and waterfront areas across the island will host dozens of live performances, from theatreb performance and juggling to music and dance.
Artists From 13 Countries Join the 2025 Edition, Expanding Beyond Funchal
This year’s program includes artists from 13 different nationalities, a record for the festival. Regional Secretary for Tourism, Environment and Culture, Eduardo Jesus, congratulated the organizers for their continuous progress:
The festival grew and reaffirmed itself.
Eduardo Jesus, Diário de Notícias Madeira
Jesus also highlighted the importance of decentralizing cultural events, praising Calheta’s involvement for the third consecutive year. Calheta’s mayor, Doroteia Leça, said that “culture is very important in the formation of a society,” and reaffirmed the municipality’s ongoing support for public art initiatives that engage residents and visitors alike.
Crowds Enjoy Living Statues, Street Performances, and Humor in Funchal
By midday, Funchal’s main squares had turned into a stage for artists performing to lively crowds. The day began with The Charming Jay, a South Korean performer known for his comic juggling act, followed by Duo X Caso and Anna Ki in the Central and Cathedral Squares.
From 14:30 onwards, living statues appeared in Fernão de Ornelas, Avenida Arriaga, and Mercado dos Lavradores, surprising passersby with expressive, silent performances. The afternoon lineup continues with Ofélia Neves, Adrián Díaz, and the Chilean street artist Karcocha, known for his spontaneous humor and interaction with audiences.
Local Leaders Emphasize Culture as a Shared Value in Madeira
The festival continues throughout the weekend, with performances planned until Sunday evening in both Funchal and Calheta. Highlights include the Madeira Street Battle at Praça do Povo on Saturday afternoon and the ‘Circle of Fire’ show in Calheta at night, promising to close the festival with a vibrant and visually striking spectacle.
Source: Diário de Notícias Madeira
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