Columbus Festival 2026

September 17th to 20th 2026
2026

Columbus Festival 2026 - Porto Santo

Both tourists and residents alike love this festival, which consists of a historic re-enactment of life in the 15th century, and in particular, Christopher Columbus's time on the island of Porto Santo. This navigator was linked to our archipelago not only through the sugar trade but also through his marriage to Filipa Moniz, daughter of Bartolomeu Perestrelo, first captain-donee of the island.

The event takes place in the city of Vila Baleira and consists of different cultural events, such as musical shows, exhibitions and historical parades, initiatives that aim to recollect the legend of the Portuguese Discoveries.

Visit the golden isle and take part in this homage to the 15th century.

PROGRAMME

Colombo Festival 2026 - Programme

17-20 September - Porto Santo

General Information

Festival opening hours

17, 18 and 19 September: 19:00-00:00
Food and drinks: until 02:00
20 September: 19:00-22:00
Food and drinks: until 00:00

Arts, crafts and regional products

Avenida do Infante D. Henrique (North)
19:00-23:00

Food and drinks

Largo das Palmeiras
Alameda do Infante D. Henrique
Jardim do Tribunal

Throughout the festival, Vila Baleira will feature live music, theatre, medieval dances, acrobats, masked performers, stilt walkers, jugglers, storytellers, fire performances and other artists.

THURSDAY - 17 SEPTEMBER

Porto Santo Municipal Library / DRABL

15:00 and 16:00
'Images and Memories of the Municipality of Porto Santo'

Guided tour of the photographic exhibition featuring more than 130 photographs dating from the late 19th century to the 1970s.

Target audience: 2nd and 3rd cycle students and other interested visitors.
Registration at the Porto Santo Municipal Library.

Square in front of the Porto Santo Cultural and Congress Centre

19:15
Procession by the Basic and Secondary School with Nursery and Pre-School Prof. Dr. Francisco de Freitas Branco.

22:15
Historical Parade - Columbus' Company

23:30
Show 'The Breath of the New World'

Porto Santo Pier - Beach

19:00 - Alma Negra

19:30 - Arrival of Bartolomeu Perestrelo's Company to welcome Christopher Columbus

19:45 - Landing: 'The Arrival'

20:15 - Performance by the Rodopio Pitoresco Cultural and Recreational Association.

Largo do Pelourinho

20:15 - Andars & Macetitas
20:30 - 'The Knighthood Ceremony in Vila Baleira' - Teatro Bolo do Caco
21:30 - Alma Negra
22:00 - Music: Porbatuka
22:30 - Music: Curinga
23:00 - 'SKazka' Dance and Recreational Arts Association

Alameda Infante D. Henrique

20:15 - Juggling, Fire Breathers, Stilt Walkers, Belly Dancers
20:30 - Ostinatos
21:00 - Christian / Moorish Dances
21:30 - Archery / Games
23:30 - Music: Curinga

Praça do Barqueiro

21:30 - '(EU)phoria' - Paradise Circus
22:30 - Performance by the Rodopio Pitoresco Cultural and Recreational Association.

FRIDAY - 18 SEPTEMBER

Porto Santo Golf Course

9th Edition of the Colombo’s Golf Trophy

A golf tournament bringing together national and international golfers.

Porto Santo Municipal Library / DRABL

10:30 and 11:30
'Little Adventurers, Great Discoveries' Workshop

City Hall Atrium / Christopher Columbus Museum

14:30 and 15:30
'Between Images and Stories'

Largo do Pelourinho

19:30 - Music: Macetitas
20:00 - Belly Dancers
20:30 - Music: Macetitas
21:00 - Rodopio Pitoresco Cultural and Recreational Association
21:40 - Alma Negra
22:00 - Columbus' Company Parade accompanied by Porbatuka
22:15 - 'The Knighthood Ceremony in Vila Baleira' - Teatro Bolo do Caco
23:15 - Alma Negra
23:30 - Music: Porbatuka

Alameda do Infante D. Henrique

19:45 - Music: Macetitas
20:00 - 'SKazka' Dance and Recreational Arts Association
20:30 - Ostinatos
21:00 - Archery / Games
23:15 - Christian / Moorish Dances
23:30 - Rodopio Pitoresco Cultural and Recreational Association

Square in front of the Porto Santo Cultural and Congress Centre

20:15 - Parade by the Basic and Secondary School with Nursery and Pre-School Prof. Dr. Francisco de Freitas Branco
23:00 - 'Porto de Afetos: The Meeting of Worlds'
23:50 - Fire Show: Sparks of the Night

Praça do Barqueiro

21:00 - '(EU)phoria' - Paradise Circus
22:30 - Music by CURINGA.

SATURDAY - 19 SEPTEMBER

Porto Santo Municipal Library

11:00
'Sea, Books and Let's Get to Work' Workshop

Family activity for children and adults. Free admission.

City Park - former campsite

10:00
Columbus Archery Tournament

Largo do Pelourinho

19:00 - Music: Macetitas
19:30 - Dance: Belly Dancers
20:00 - Music: Macetitas
20:30 - Cocktail Festival with the Madeira Bartenders Association (ABM)
21:40 - Parade by Porbatuka
22:00 - Rodopio Pitoresco Cultural and Recreational Association
22:40 - 'The Knighthood Ceremony in Vila Baleira' - Teatro Bolo do Caco
23:30 - Music: Curinga

Alameda Infante D. Henrique

19:15 - Music: Macetitas
19:30 - 'SKazka' Dance and Recreational Arts Association
20:30 - Ostinatos
20:45 - Christian / Moorish Dances
21:45 - Parade by Porbatuka
23:00 - Alma Negra
23:30 - Music: Porbatuka

Square in front of the Porto Santo Cultural and Congress Centre

20:15 - Parade by the Basic and Secondary School with Nursery and Pre-School Prof. Dr. Francisco de Freitas Branco
23:50 - Fire Show: Sparks of the Night

Praça do Barqueiro

20:30 - Columbus Archery Tournament trophy ceremony / Games
22:00 - 'SEVEN SEAS' - Musical Theatre Show
23:00 - 'Sparks of the Night' - Fire Show.

SUNDAY - 20 SEPTEMBER

Vila Baleira - City Centre

20:00 - Alma Negra

Largo do Pelourinho

19:00 - Music: Macetitas
19:30 - 'SKazka' Dance and Recreational Arts Association
20:00 - 'The Knighthood Ceremony in Vila Baleira' - Teatro Bolo do Caco
21:00 - Music: Porbatuka
21:30 - Music: Curinga