Originating in a far-right separatist movement and drawing symbolic influence from Portugal’s Age of Discovery, the Madeiran flag appears minimalist at first glance - yet behind its design lies a complex story of identity, power, and regional ambition.
Back in 1985, the name Ronaldo was virtually unknown in Portugal, yet Cristiano was named after one of the leading figures of the time.
November 25, 1975, was a turning point in Portugal’s transition to democracy, and even 50 years later, it remains a highly contested date. Seeing the rise of a multipolar world order, it calls on us to reflect and remember: everything is at stake, always.
As the first European butterfly to disappear, the Madeiran Large White, once common across Madeira and even Funchal, has been declared officially extinct by the IUCN.
In 1931, the Madeira Uprising challenged the Portuguese Ditadura Nacional, demanding the restoration of constitutional government. The rebellion, supported by the local population, was fueled by severe flour shortages imposed by the dictatorship.
During the Great War, German submarines repeatedly attacked Funchal, carrying out a severe assault on Portuguese territory.
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.
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.
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 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 rich cultural heritage. It brings together locals and Madeirans abroad to celebrate their history, traditions, and strong regional identity.
