The Battle of Funchal: Germany’s Assault During World War I
During the Great War, German submarines repeatedly attacked Funchal, carrying out a severe assault on Portuguese territory.
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Madeira's First Gender-Affirming Surgery Took Place in 1995
In 1995, doctors at a Madeira clinic performed the island’s first gender-affirming surgery, in which the patient transitioned from male to female - at the time, a highly complex procedure.
1985: The Year Portugal Got Its First ATM
In September 1985, Portugal introduced its first ATM, starting a new era in banking. Twenty years later, the country was seen as one of the most advanced in Europe, with machines offering many services beyond simply taking out cash.
Columbus in Madeira: The Story of His Years on the Islands
Before his famous journey to the Americas in 1492, Columbus lived and got married on Porto Santo. On the Madeira archipelago, he gained important skills, met key people, and began planning to sail west across the Atlantic.
Madeira Airport Celebrates 61 Years
Madeira Airport celebrates 61 years today. In 2024, it served 5.1 million passengers, growing from a small local airport into a busy international hub connecting Madeira with the world.
Madeira Day on July 1 Honors Madeira's Autonomy and Identity
Madeira Day on July 1 honors Madeira's autonomy and rich cultural heritage. It brings together locals and Madeirans abroad to celebrate their history, traditions, and strong regional identity.
The Carapuça: Madeira’s Iconic Pigtail Cap and Its Cultural Legacy
The carapuça: Madeira's traditional woollen hat, commonly worn in the 18th and 19th centuries. Once part of daily rural life, it is now a valued symbol in folklore, festivals, and cultural events.
Monte Train: Madeira’s Forgotten Railway
The Caminho de Ferro do Monte revolutionized travel in Madeira, but a tragic 1919 incident marked its downfall, shaking public confidence and triggering a gradual decline that ended in its closure by 1943.
Santa Maria de Colombo: The Story of Madeira’s Most Iconic Replica
Handcrafted with passion and driven by vision — how one man revived the iconic Santa Maria de Colombo in 1998, creating a beautifully handmade vessel that still sails daily today.
Porto Santo Seawater Desalination: Turning Ocean Water into Life
Porto Santo, a dry island with no rivers and scarce rainfall, was at risk of severe water shortages until the 1980s. Its solution: pioneering desalination technology that transformed ocean water into fresh water.
António Salazar’s Estado Novo: Europe’s Longest Lasting Dictatorship
Antonio Salazar’s Estado Novo regime prioritized economic control over human rights, enforcing censorship, torture, and brutal colonial wars. Through fear and oppression, it became Europe’s longest-lasting dictatorship, ruling for nearly five decades.
