Madeira News Blog

Today’s photo – Many thanks to Elaine (West) … Hibiscus flower

Someone a few days ago was asking about this : "… This year we will be transmitting the famous Madeira New Year’s Fireworks show live, here on MadeiraHelp.com from an even better location [than last year], where one may see most of Funchal amphitheatre. … The broadcast will be on from 23:30 on the 31st December 2009 and will transmit all 10 to 12 minutes of the Fireworks show which start at midnight (GMT)". FUNCHAL 2010 LIVE FIREWORKS

Someone looking for really cheap accommodation might find this link handy, as it lists cheap hostels / budget accommodation from just over €10 a night MADEIRA HOSTELS 

I must be going soft, giving all this free publicity : "Estate agents Fine & Country have just opened their latest office, at a landmark location in Madeira. The opening of the Madeira office also follows hot on the heels of Fine & Country scooping two of the industry’s top international accolades last month: Best International Estate Agency Marketing at the CNBC International Residential Property Awards, and the Gold Award for Best Estate Agency Overseas at the Sunday Times Estate Agency of the Year Awards. ESTATE AGENCY INFO

"Madeira’s unique topology is what accounts for the prolificacy of levadas. A mountain chain cuts the island in half on an east-west plane. This causes clouds drifting in from the Atlantic to get caught, where they release plenty of rain. The problem is that most of that rain falls into the north end of the island. The south end, which is a more favorable farming area, can sometimes go for six months without any rainfall. The particular geography of the island causes what rain does fall to run directly into the ocean". LEVADA WALKS ARTICLE

Wind strong to very strong in mountains – Civil Protection advises against journeys on foot or by car because of the strength of the wind. The Institute of Meteorology predicts the occurrence of strong winds and very strong in the mountains by early afternoon on Monday, December 28, with gusts that could reach 110 km an hour. The Regional Civil Protection warns the public of the risks associated with cars and pedestrians in mountainous areas and exposed areas.

Many thanks to Sheila for sending this in : The Portuguese Parliament has approved a new law (proposed by the Communist Party) which will give tax inspectors power to access the bank accounts of relatives of anyone being investigated for tax evasion. The law was passed with the support of the PCP and other parties of the Left, but the ruling Socialist Party and the main opposition Social Democrats abstained from voting.

Strong winds in the mountains. The Institute of Meteorology predicts strong winds, especially in the mountains, by early afternoon on Monday 28 December. Gusts could reach 110 kilometres per hour. The Regional Civil Protection warns of risks to traffic and pedestrians in the mountainous areas and exposed areas. The ferry to Porto Santo returned earlier than normal to Funchal today due to the conditions of the wind and sea. It might be unable to sail tomorrow with predictions of an increase in waves to 4.6 and 5 metres.

Many thanks to Elaine from the East for this whopping contribution from yesterday’s Diário de Notícias :

SANAS rescue capsized launch in the Marina.  The boat was moored in the Marina of Funchal. The owners of other boats were checking their vessels after the bad weather and discovered this one, a recreation launch (Seagull) beneath other boats. The Maritime Police investigated then SANAS intervened. The boat was re-floated, towed then lifted by a large crane into dry dock at São Lazaro. The operation took five hours.

Overturned car at Pilar.  A car on the motorway from Santa Cruz – Câmara de Lobos, crashed then overturned at Pilar junction. The accident occurred at 20.30 and the driver was unhurt.

Shopping centres flooded yesterday with shoppers. MadeiraShopping Centre was crowded with people exchanging gifts and seeking reduced priced items in the first sales, especially luxury items. Most are visiting relatives on Sunday, although the shops expect another bumper day, and the majority of people want to shop before they have to return to work. The shop owners were rejoicing and the evidence was in the long queues at the tills. The closure of the shops in Funchal centre on Saturday helped boost sales. FNAC did well yesterday since gift cards are gaining popularity as presents. Worten  tripled their sales on the last few days before Christmas. Salsa has maintained its popularity in the 25 – 40 year old range by strategic marketing during the crisis with promotions. Analysts predict a very difficult 2010 for the Portuguese economy. The Avenida Arriaga was visited by numerous families yesterday, especially after the recent stormy weather. The children enjoyed the seasonal displays with many photographs taken, the Christmas Crib and Ethnological Village being favourite attractions, more than the stalls selling regional produce.

Mysterious boat.  A  luxurious mega-yacht took refuge from the bad weather off the north coast of Madeira. For two days, the sinister image puzzled drivers on the north coast roads. Dozens of calls alerted the Diário to its presence and the reporters discovered it to be a mega-yacht called ‘A’. The name represents the initials of the owner’s wife Aleksandra. The owner is a Russian billionaire, Andrey Melnichenko, his ‘toy’ is 119 metres in length with a construction cost of 150 million Euros. It was built under secrecy at the German shipyards Blohm + Voss in Hamburg, under the name ‘Sigma SF 99′ and the interior designer was French. It was finished this January and it is designed with straight lines to minimize splashing under the maximum speed of 25 knots. Privacy and security are paramount as evidenced by close-circuit TV, motion sensors and digital codes for access, especially to the master suite. It is at the 11th position in the ranking for the largest motor yacht in the world. The heliport is often used by the couple to embark  and disembark. It is crewed by 35 sailors, chefs, entertainers and security staff. The special glass used on the yacht allows privacy for celebrities who want to escape the photographers.

Tsunami here is not a fantasy. The region might suffer a natural disaster, similar to that five years ago in Southeast Asia.  A British researcher, Simon Day, has finished a thesis on the formation of tsunamis by landslides, his study quoted by an advisor to the British Government. In the next 10,000 years, a giant tsunami wave up to a hundred metres might form in the Atlantic Ocean. The epicentre would be the volcano Cumbre Vieja in the Canary Islands and the collapse of rock would cause a wave which would have a catastrophic effect on the east coast of America, Brazil and sweep over the Madeiran archipelago. A previous eruption in 1949 opened a 2 km gap in the island of La Palma, sufficient to threaten the destabilization of an area of 500 cubic kilometres. A University of Madeira representative said that geological mapping of the region confirms this but more work is required for any predictions. Geological mapping of seismicity in the North Atlantic by the National Earthquake Information Centre – United States Geological Study is shown in the photo. The map shows flaws in Madeira but the seismic potential is very small. The two previous earthquakes on 24 November (southwest of Funchal) and 3 December (near the Desertas Islands) have gone largely unnoticed.

100 elderly on the waiting list for domestic help.  At present, 3,346 elderly receive home help from 580 carers employed by Social Security and there are 100 on the waiting list. Judging by the three personal stories quoted, there are no complaints about the care received. Care is often needed when the families lack patience, are selfish and elderly relatives are abandoned.

Year of crisis makes more people join political parties. The Socialist Party over the past 5 years has gained an average 200 new members every year, with an increase of 400 in 2008 – 2009. The only party which will not give numbers is the PSD but numbers have increased for all other parties. The Movement of the Earth party is the only one with more women than men.

Political parties ask for support for families affected by bad weather. The leader of the Party of the Earth, Isidoro Goncalves, has criticized the silence of the authorities over the damage caused by the weather over recent weeks. She suggests that Câmara de Lobos Council give support, through the contingency funds, especially in the areas of Estreito and Curral das Freiras. There have been no official Council or Government visits to the areas and criticism is directed at Manuel Antonio Correira and Santas Costa. Some damage is due to negligence of the Government in not implementing public works which would have influenced the water courses. In Ribeira Grande in São Vicente, Joao Gouveia (PS) suggests the creation of an emergency plan, after visiting the local population. There has been alleged dumping of waste materials in waterways by the company Tâmega. After a protest by locals, he wants their activity suspended and compensation for families affected by damage. The CDS deputy in the Assembly of the Republic has said his party will write to the Prime Minister to ask for a plan to help those affected by bad weather, as it did with the Azores. José Rodriques had visited São Vicente and wants an immediate payment of 250,000 Euros for those affected, similar to the amount given to the Azores on the 16 December. A contingency plan is also needed for farmers, especially for damaged vineyards.  He said the Madeiran executive must establish the responsibility of those who dumped rubbish and other debris in the rivers, which contributed to the destruction seen in São Vicente, Santana and Ponta do Sol. He said the destruction was a combination of human error and the weather, and it was strange that the Regional Government was not meeting the emergency, both in restoring public infrastructure and surveying the damage. The bombeiros responded between the 24 – 26 December to 57 requests for assistance, 34 for transport to hospital. They undertook over 50 hours of work, and 60 vehicles and 123 bombeiros were involved.

New Year average of 90%. Forecasts for the end of the year point to an average occupancy rate of 90% in the hotels. Occupancy is better than last year and some hotels are already full.

Prisoner on Christmas leave returned in less than 24 hours.  The man, on leave to join his family over Christmas, was forcibly returned to Funchal Prison within 24 hours. He was apprehended by the PSP on the day after release, in a bar in Santa Cruz, for damage to a motorcycle by throwing it to the ground after a bar fight. He had more than four times the amount of alcohol in his blood than legally allowed under his probation conditions. He had been imprisoned for several years for a rape which he committed on the Continent, and was imprisoned at Cancela in order that he would be closer to his family.

Today’s news headlines from the front page of the Diário de Notícias :

Judicial Police without leads of the whereabouts of Martins – 5 months after the death of the businessman Guilherme  Alves, the PJ were on the look out for José Martins, who was already the accused and the plaintiff in Porto Santo Court. That’s seems an interesting combination of roles, so perhaps Martins also has a separate lawsuit outstanding beyond his alleged role in the murder of the businessman.

´São Silvestre’ trusts in São Pedro. If the weather helps, today there will be a record number of participants in the Volta (race). Marítimo also runs in the name of solidarity.

Today’s main news headline : Malaria attacks Madeira by surprise – There is a man in the intensive care unit infected with Malaria. Another two are hospitalised with the same disease. Returnees from Guinea, they were diagnosed with flu. The clinical director has already requested new medical supplies.

Movements in the port quadrupled in 50 years – Despite the small berthing area, the number of dockings grew 94% and the size of the cruise boats tripled.

The main photo on today’s front page shows several felled trees and a pile of large rocks, clearly where they shouldn’t be. Today seems to be ‘catch-up day’ for weather stories with 5 making the headlines :

Tempest provokes political storm – Rodrigues (PP) has already  written to Sócrates calling for support and sent another letter to Jardim harshly criticizing the lack of action by the Regional Government.

Manuel António guarantees that he was at the site.

BE  (Left Block) takes protest to Legislative Assembly of Madeira.

Race to the water in Ponta do Sol.

Two families relocated in Ribeira Grande.

The Lobo Marinho has decided not to go to Porto Santo island today, well I guess the actual masters of the ferry service have decided that. Sea conditions are just too bad.

I am really strapped for time today and tomorrow, so I can’t do any more today, but will try harder tomorrow.

If anyone else can oblige with the translation of any of the ‘blank’ or sparsely filled headlines, or other news stories, here is the link. All contributions much appreciated. 

I read that tsunami article just before going to bed last night, and it was really interesting, with facts and figures about what this massive piece of rock in the Canary Islands (500 cubic kilometres) would do. I remember trying to work out how big that really is, and I reckon that’s a fair bit bigger than Madeira, the part above sea level at least. That particular risk in the Canary Islands has been known about for years, and nothing has been done to mitigate it. But what do you do with a chunk of rock that big? All the cement and cement mixers in the world probably wouldn’t do much good to patch up the cracks. There I go rambling again. Anyway, the tsunami wave would be between 50 and a 100 metres high, and would obviously devastate Madeira and many other coastlines within hours of happening, so it’s no laughing matter. But you know what dreams are like, and as I was still thinking on the matter when I went to bed, I ended up with dreams ravaged by massive tsunamis. The blog snipers will be pleased to know that I did not survive, perishing as the water crashed through my patio doors situated at a mere 40 metres above sea level, having refused to abandon home along with the others. However the dream also contained other important information about who and what survived, and obviously whilst I cannot tell you much about the fate of Uncle Bertie and the other political cronies for reasons of national security, I can tell you that the newly finished €45 million Barreiros Stadium, where Marítimo play, was smashed to smithereens, and Uncle Bertie was pretty upset. But he still managed to stump up another €116.7 million of taxpayers money to build another one before the tsunami wave reached his own front door. The Nacional football stadium however, being much higher up in Choupana, survived the disaster unscathed, and the team inspired by the memory of those lost went on to win the Champions League. I can’t tell you which year it happens exactly, but Cristiano Ronaldo was still playing for Real Madrid, so it’s not so far away. I might leak some more facts later on, but it’s all still a bit wishy-washy at the moment.

Sue sent in these news stories – many thanks.

Strong wind reaches the Azores islands and disrupts air traffic

An aircraft carrier Azores Sata from Lisbon to the Third and he was forced to depart at the end of the morning on the island of Santa Maria because of the strong wind at the airport of Lajes and eventually returned to the capital. A company spokesman told Lusa that the plane, with 89 passengers on board, tried to operate on Terceira island after refueling in Santa Maria, but the weather did not permit it. Five of the passengers disembarked at Santa Maria and the other will fly on Monday from Lisbon to Terceira, stated by the same source. Despite strong winds, the inter-island operation of the company was to be accomplished by other cancellations, said the same source. The nine islands of the Azores will continue to be buffeted by strong winds, with gusts that could reach 100 miles per hour, until the early afternoon on Monday, warned the Regional Civil Protection yesterday. In a notice issued in the late afternoon yesterday, the Azores Civil Protection stated that it also predicted heavy rain and scattered thunderstorms, between last night and the afternoon on Monday. During the same period they warned of rough seas around the islands, with waves that could reach six feet tall.

Faial without signaling. Not only was the sun out yesterday in the early afternoon it attracted some families in the bathing area of Faial. So popular was it that they also wanted to get close to the power of nature and the damage caused by the storm, as the walls of the support ‘promenade’, tumbled due to the storm last Thursday. Clearly the absence of signs or even barriers that prevent the inquisitive children to move close to the rugged area, it could create more accidents; a fact which should be considered due to the number of visitors and tourists who visit this leisure site.

River sand removed. The mouth of the stream that flows next to the swimming complex Madalena do Mar, which was completely blocked on the night of 22 to 23 December, had the sand removed. However, it is believed that due to the weight of huge amounts of earth, stone and debris from trees and other materials carried by the water caused this. But as the photo shows this did not happen. The dredging of the mouth of the stream resulted in a huge pile of debris that is piled on the stone, served to show the many facets the force of rain can given to the flow which had gone down stream.

BMF collects dog run over and save trapped cat. The Fire Department of Funchal were called yesterday to collect a dog that was killed on the Road Conde Carvalhal. The intervention of the same corporation was sought afterwards in the area of the promenade, near the Lido, to remove a cat that could not get down to an awning, where he hid to escape the attack of a dog. Sad dog Happy cat!

Tons of trash from river give the marina. Funchal Marina protests against illegal dumps in the Ribeira de S. John. Funchal marina has removed rubbish in the order of tons since records began with the more intense rainfall this winter. Americo Costa, head of the management of port infrastructure protests against the "lack of civility and poor education" of Funchal who throw garbage into streams allowing the problems to drag downstream. Debris has been dragged either by long duration of heavy rain which raised the level of the streams. The illegal dumps that proliferate along the Ribeira de Sao Joao, which flows along the portage of St. Lazarus, lie behind the pollution of domestic waste in the river port. The strong southwest wind has carried the garbage to the mouth of the marina, outraging some yachtsmen. Carlos Sousa has several vessels moored there and saw with displeasure the diverse abundance of garbage: bottles, plastic, driftwood and animal carcasses. He witnessed the waste floating on Christmas Eve – describing it as "an attack on public health" – Carlos Sousa contacted the administration of the Marina of Funchal, but says nothing was done. He also called for civil protection that ultimately refered the matter to the authority of the Marine Police. No action was taken and the pollution continued for all to see, tourists and sailors, right next to the berths in the south jetty near the mouth of the marina. "We do not have any claim related to this, either orally or in writing," responds to the director of Diary of marina capital of Madeira. Americo Costa says that whenever outbreaks of garbage are detected, the order for removal is given in conjunction with the evaluating of the weather. "The cleanup actions then proceed immediately whenever they are detected debris carried by the rains.

We have the collaboration of APRAM, which provides us a means to transport car and the site itself," he explains. Since the beginning of the rains that have hit the region over the last three weeks, the Marina of Funchal has removed from the basin under its concession area "junk in the order of tons," says the head. "With the floods and the southwest wind, the garbage comes all into the marina." Americo Costa points out that the problem is upstream and protests against the perpetrators of the attacks environment. "It’s a common situation but it should not happen, but there is a lack of civic education and it is the people and who are downstream who are paying," remarked when asked why more surveillance activities were available.

Play safe CHRISTMAS 2009 – Entrepreneurs of shops selling fireworks leave message. The so-called "bomblets Christmas" and any type of firework that the islanders have traditionally launched at this time of year are safe, since they are launched in accordance with the recommended rules. The message is shared by two owners of "Firework Shops" of Madeira, respectively, Fernando Rodrigues and Rui Camisanova.

The latter, Firework Shop Mariano in Itataia, advises parents not to let the children throw any type of fire without being accompanied by adults. "Although they is a moderate risk, there is risk" he says. Adults, in turn, he warns: "Fireworks and alcohol are not good companions." Rui Camisanova explains that a person should never release "bombs" or other types of fireworks, because under the influence of alcohol you do not have control of your actions. "Have fun in safety and not put others at risk ‘is your final warning. Whilst sales have not been could to date due to the economy and bad weather it is hoped that by the end of the year sales will increase. Until then, who buy 75 Eurs or more fireworks in his shop are entitled to a bottle of sparkling wine and 100 grams bag of raisins. Fernando Rodrigues, in turn, owns the "Shop of Fire" Burn the Street, the oldest of Madeira, with about 60 years. Compared to the past, Fernando Rodrigues has no doubt that sales fell a lot. Mainly due to increased competition. Is that this is a type of product to sell, especially at this time and, or if you can sell, or no recovery possible in other months of the year, explains. Five years does not increase the prices of the products they sell and, although he says people are spending more difficulties than before, another explanation for the loss of sales is primarily the weather. It was, as he says, ‘a real whirlwind for the traditional trades. Fernando Rodrigues caveat that "taking the bombs and rockets of large, none of that danger", when used correctly.

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If you can, please contribute something Madeira related. A funny story or good or bad experience, a news item, or a story from a Madeira newspaper, a photo or video, a teaser, news of a bargain flight or item in a supermarket. Please help keep this blog going … without user contributions it won’t survive. Please don’t send in automatic translations (like Google translator) without checking them through and correcting them first, thanks.

You can email blog@madeira4u.com with any large contributions and photos / videos.

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Please use the comments here for general chit-chat, or feel free to ask any questions … someone usually has an answer.

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Today’s Photo Thanks to Selina … Christmas 2009 lights & female father Xmas

One for the diary : "This year’s Funchal International Cinema Festival was due to take place between the 7th and 14th November, but the organisers have recently announced a change in dates and an extension to the submission deadlines. The next festival will now take place between the 10th and 17th April 2010. The event awards prizes in eight different categories with the latest festival, held in 2008, attracting an impressive international entry list". More …  Funchal International Cinema Festival

Many thanks to Elaine (West) for this piece from the Jornal da Madeira :

Weak Sunday trading in Funchal : The rain scared away customers from Funchal. Yesterday, despite the shops being open, the turnout was low as far as we could see in some stores between Rua Fernão de Ornelas and Rua da Sé. During the morning, traders were still hopeful that during the afternoon things would improve. Being Sunday, families spend more time at home to rest and usually come out to the street after lunch. In fact, they went out, but the destination was the shopping centres, which were full. On the route taken by the Jornal there were one or two customers in some stores, others were empty, with shopkeepers standing looking out at the street. During the morning there were also closed stores. Some chose to open in the afternoon. In fact, after lunch the drive increased slightly but did not meet the expectations of traders. Sales have been below the expected level. To overcome the crisis, there are stores offering Christmas sales. Others are more creative and advertise that if you buy two products, the third costs only 1 Euro. In Fernão de Ornelas, traders lamented the fact that the farmers’ market is closed, as it is also a tourist attraction that brings more people to the centre of Funchal and thus more to the stores. One suggestion offered by a trader concerned parking. In his opinion, at this time of year the Anadia car park could promote discounts up to 50% for users who could provide evidence of having made purchases on that street. Supermarkets offer free parking or cheaper than existing ones in the city centre, which draws customers away from the city. The rain, however, failed to make itself felt, with only a few showers from time to time. But even then, people left the city centre streets. For the most part, they chose to spend the afternoon in the shopping centres.

This is a bit of a cheesy greeting, but I liked it XMAS WITH OUR FURRY FRIENDS

Gripe A claims third fatality : IASAÚDE identified 108 new swine flu cases in the last week. The Institute of Health has confirmed a third death on Madeira, a 63 year old man with heart disease. New cases were also identified in 26 teaching establishments. The total count for Madeira has now reached 601 victims of the H1N1 virus.

Deal reached in hotel sector – Salary scales increased by 1.2%. Bosses have agreed a one off payment of €125 as well as the percentage increase, and the deal has been left open for further review in case inflation exceeds expectations. The deal will be signed this afternoon, and removes any fear of industrial action in the sector.

European Union reduces taxes on bananas imported from the American continent. The move, which is the result of settling a long running dispute, may impact on Madeira banana producers. 11 countries in central and south America will benefit from the tax reduction.

Madeiran Cristiano Ronaldo receives the Puskas Award for the "Goal of the Year" by the widow of Ferenc Puskas, Erzsebet Puskas during the FIFA World Player Gala 2009 in Zurich, Switzerland. "Then it was time for one of this year’s innovations, with Andres Iniesta and Cristiano Ronaldo appearing on screen once more as two of the ten players in the running for the FIFA Puskás Award for the most outstanding goal of 2009. Elisabeth Puskas, the wife of the late Hungarian legend, and former AC Milan star George Weah, made their way on to the stage to present the accolade, which went to Real Madrid’s Portuguese idol. Cristiano’s award-winning strike, which came when he was on duty for Manchester United in last season’s UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie against Porto, came out on top in a poll attracting the votes of over 100,000 FIFA.com users". FIFA Press Release with videos and photos Many thanks to Paul (Paul do Mar) for the information 

Today’s news headlines from the front page of the Diário de Notícias :

Today’s main news headline : Madeira wants Lisbon to stick with ANAM – The regional government admits the dissolution of the company that manages the airports. The merger with ANA resolves the technical insolvency and reduces taxes to a half. The finances of ANAM (Aeroportos e Navegação Aérea da Madeira), who operate the ‘franchise’ for both Madeira and Porto Santo airports, has for a long time been in an unacceptable state, and the regional government currently has the issue ‘on top of the table’. One solution that will resolve the issue of insolvency (which is currently a paperwork status rather than a critical threat to the airports), is a merger with the airport company ANA-Aeroportos de Portugal. ANA is already has a 70% stake in ANAM, with the State holding 10%, and Madeira 20%. The concession of ANAM runs through to 2033, but it is very clear that the company cannot go the distance because of huge debt, largely incurred through the airport expansion a few years ago. There are probably more ‘money’ reasons not to merge ANAM and ANA than to do so, but in my opinion this merger would have so many benefits for Madeira and it’s residents. If airport taxes were halved, and they are currently amongst the highest in Europe, you can imagine the benefits for tourism. Also, as we are so dependent on air transport, that integration into a much larger structure would give us resources and contingencies for continuity of operation that we don’t really have at the moment.

Justice officials sue the State – Workers in the Porto Santo Court want two subsidies. A bit of a boring story really (but as I read it I will continue), as the six workers in the ‘Tribunal do Porto Santo’ try to achieve the same rights and conditions as their counterparts in the court in Santa Maria, in the Azores. The main issue is the lack of receipt of a residency allowance, equivalent to one third of a salary, and an accommodation allowance, that is based on the grounds of "double insularity", being distanced firstly from Madeira, and secondly the justice system of Portugal itself.  The subsidies are intended to compensate those entitled to them for the additional costs of their placement in ‘outermost regions’. Why do people take these jobs on known terms and conditions, and then complain when the ‘grass is greener on the other side’. I suppose it’s a typical public servant mentality. I think all people who live outside Funchal should be entitled to state insularity subsidies … but how do I apply?

Victim of skid eventually dies.

Complaint of the Diário debated today in São Bento. The regulatory entity for Social Communication goes to the Lisbon parliament, at the request of the PP. The support of the government for  newspapers is on the agenda.

Nearly 100 thousand launches in the year end firework display – More fireworks than in the Guiness Book of Records. The Macedo pyrotechnic team is already on Madeira preparing the year end firework display. The first 8 minutes of 2010 will see the skies of Funchal alive with light and colour. The company given the contract for the firework display, Macedo’s Pirotecnia, has been at work since the 15th December preparing the show. The display named ‘Ilhas Afortunadas’ (Happy / Fortunate / Lucky Islands … take your pick) will see the launching of 97,172 individual fireworks, a far superior number than the 66,326 in the 2006 new year display which earned Madeira the title of host of the biggest firework display in the world in the Guiness ‘book’ of records. 17 tonnes of fireworks will be distributed around 40 launching points, including one on Porto Santo. I wonder if the vast increase is a response to the third attempt recently somewhere in the Arabic world to try and break Madeira’s record? A record worth reinforcing or resetting for sure, as what better endorsement could a company specialising in firework displays want. For the sake of 3,000 more fireworks you have to wonder why they didn’t go through the 100,000 mark, a number that everyone would remember.

Football gets the lion’s share of today’s front page, with a photo of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo holding their new FIFA awards : Best goal of 2009 is Madeiran – Messi followed Ronaldo as ‘best in the world’ yesterday, but the Madeiran, elected for the dream ‘eleven’ team, won a trophy for the goal scored against FC Porto, in the stadium ‘Dragão’. And what a goal it was, knocking Porto out of the Champions league! More from the link provided by Paul above.

If anyone else can oblige with the translation of any of the ‘blank’ or sparsely filled headlines, or other news stories, here is the link Thank you in anticipation.

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If you can, please contribute something Madeira related. A funny story or good or bad experience, a news item, or a story from a Madeira newspaper, a photo or video, a teaser, news of a bargain flight or item in a supermarket. Please help keep this blog going … without user contributions it won’t survive. Please don’t send in automatic translations (like Google translator) without checking them through and correcting them first, thanks.

You can email blog@madeira4u.com with any large contributions and photos / videos.

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Please use the comments here for general chit-chat, or feel free to ask any questions … someone usually has an answer.

(more…)

Today’s Photo Thanks to Eiryl … Porto Santo ferry just docked in Funchal

Madeira … is a Wine with the name of an Island … an Island with the name of a Wine. IVBAM (The Wine, Embroidery and Handicraft Institute of Madeira) has created a 5 minute promotional and historic VIDEO about the Madeira Wine … famous fortified wine made in the Madeira Islands. (info pinched from DON’S BLOG … thanks Don!).

I haven’t come across an ‘audio blog’ before, but maybe someone might one to record something on this site and send me a link. AUDIO BLOG

"In the 1960s and 70s, the beautiful Jane Birkin became famous for carrying her basket around Paris. People would recognize her and Serge Gainsbourg from behind because of her basket". An admirer of Madeira’s wicker work wants to know where one can obtain an identical shopping basket without coming to Madeira. I am very jealous about the number of commenters on this very simple blog. I can’t compete with fashion I guess! A BASKET FROM MADEIRA

"I have sampled the Madeira (a secco), and found it very palatable. There are all sorts of oddities – teapots that don’t pour unless you lift the lid, for example – but then I don’t expect the Portuguese to know how to make tea (or ‘cha’) anyway – and they don’t. They don’t even know how to make a decent latte (in fact they don’t even know what a latte is!)". BLABER’S BLOG A typical t**t, who thinks that because the beverages aren’t to the liking of his typical palate, that the locals haven’t got a clue. I once made tea with UK teabags for around 8 locals, and they thought it was horrible and too strong, and didn’t drink it. The rest of the blog wasn’t really about Madeira, so I wouldn’t bother reading it.

CHRISTMAS 2009 – From the Jornal da Madeira, many thanks to Elaine

Natural pine trees for sale since yesterday in Funchal

There are ten sellers of natural pine trees that, since yesterday, are in front of the Electricity Company of Madeira, to sell Christmas trees and various natural products used to decorate the houses of Madeira. Mr. Diniz, after years of work in this area, is already "the grandfather of the selling of pine trees." He says that it is only women who come to choose, because, at home, "ruled by women."

Mr. Diniz is already the "grandfather" of the selling of natural pine trees in Funchal. Unsure of how many years he has taken advantage of the Christmas season for this business. Since yesterday and until Christmas Eve, the sellers, a total of ten who have licences from the Council, have "everything" that is natural for decorating the house, for sale in front of the Electricity Company of Madeira.

He says he is the grandfather of the area because he is the oldest seller of natural pine trees in Funchal. Despite the "fashion" of artificial pine trees, this seller says there are always those who are loyal to the traditions and, therefore, he remains in business. He does not have an estimate on how many he will sell, because he will cut the pine trees depending on demand. Yesterday, the first day of selling, and by 14.00 hours, he had not sold anything. "This first day has yet to pay for the coffee, " he jokes, confident that up to 24 December, there will be many customers going to that location to buy pine trees or other natural products. He says, normally, it is women who will buy the pine trees, this is not a family task. "Women rule at home!", he laughs.

In his space of three metres, and like other vendors, he has for sale moss, goatlings, straw, logs, alegra-campos, cearinhas, and ears of wheat, for example. "People buy everything," he added, referring to the natural ornaments of the Christmas season. About the hours of selling to the public, Mr. Diniz playfully replies, "will be 48 to 48 hours until 24  December." That is, day and night, the seller will always have to replace the pine trees for sale. He says the price of Christmas trees varies, 20 euros for the cheapest. "The price depends on the size and quality of the pine tree," he added. About the space reserved for them by the Electricity Company of Madeira, Mr. Diniz says that the Council reserves three metres for each of the ten vendors. The licence prices are above 200 euros, of which 50 euros are returned. It is a measure considered ‘fair’ by this merchant. The Council returns that amount if the traders leave the site clean, after the sales period. "It is fair for them and for us," added the seller of pine trees.

Many thanks to Elaine once again for yesterday’s top news stories :

Orange alert. Region is on orange alert ( 2 on a scale of 4) for bad weather – wind and rain, and unstable conditions forecasted until the 20 December. The Lobo Marinho is not making the usual sea connection to Porto Santo today due to 6 metres waves predicted. Some flights cancelled and an incoming London flight diverted to Porto Santo. An earthquake of magnitude 6 on the Richter scale occurred off the south coast of Portugal. It was felt in Portugal and 16 aftershocks recorded. The earthquake was the highest recorded since 1969. It occurred about 100 km off the south coast of Cabo do Sao Vicente in the Algarve. It was felt along the south coast and in Lisbon but no damage reported.

Madeira still holds the fireworks record. The region still holds the ‘Fireworks Display of the World’ record, achieved on 31 December 2006, with the ‘Dance of the Four Seasons’ by Macedo’s Fireworks. The Guinness World Records Institute in London has confirmed to Carlos Macedo that the record still belongs to Madeira, despite the latest attempt by the United Arab Emirates to take the title. They have had three attempts, the most recent on the 2 December 2009 in Abu Dhabi. Macedo’s Fireworks celebrates its 75th anniversary this year and this year’s performance will be viewed in Portugal, Madeira, the Azores and Cape Verde, an expected 700,000 spectators. This is their ninth event since 2000.

‘Rampa das Searinhas’ in Ribeira Seca. In Ribeira Seca, one of the most charismatic parishes of Madeira, they have been sowing searinhas around the grounds of the churchyard and gardens of the local church, fulfilling a centuries-old tradition that the wheat must be sown on the first day of the Missas do Parto. The participants took a handful of searinhas soaked overnight and sang songs alluding to the act while sowing the seeds. They have also been constructing a ‘novenario on an open stage’ called A Song of Life, integrating the light in the lapinha at Bethlehem, people preserving the land and the current world summit addressing climate change. (According to Infopedia, a novenario is a religious book of novenas – prayers). In Machico, the parishioners will have traditional folklore musical entertainment before and after the Missas do Parto. Free soup or hot chocolate will be distributed at different sites corresponding to the prayers, and the Mayor of Machico invites, "If people want to collaborate, they may bring delicacies, cakes and liqueurs. I think it is a good reason for fellowship among all and to encourage the Christmas spirit."

Architects endure the crisis. No major orders in 2009, and 2010 expected to be worse. Remodelling of houses, rehabilitation of buildings and housing projects have been in short supply this year whereas in previous years (2003 – 2004), they had difficulties in meeting large orders from the Regional Government and real estate investors. These projects were often rushed and poorly designed. Present projects are often for the continent, especially as new public works and hotels are not being built in Madeira. The new environmental demands for ‘green’ buildings brings them some work and they hope to survive the downturn. Lawyers are also complaining that the economic crisis is causing them to take on more work in the small claims court, due to a dearth of more lucrative cases. Commercial lawyers are the hardest hit, especially with the reduction in off-shore companies, (tax advice).

‘Conscious adoption’. The association PATA calls for responsibility this Christmas. At Christmas, there is an increase in demand for animals for adoption but it is often not a happy ending. People often act on impulse or to please a child and then regret the decision. The animals are often abandoned when people realise they have a lack of space.

300 students in Operation Road Awareness. 300 school students are participating in this police-led initiative between the hours of 10 – 12 at the Avenida das Comunidades Madeirenses in Funchal. They will raise awareness among drivers that they need to comply with certain safety features, e.g., insurance, lights and tyres. They will hand out a Certificate of a Good Driver. This is part of the educational syllabus, on road safety.

Madeira was the fastest in terms of GDP. In 1995, Madeira had a GDP (Gross Domestic Product) 11% below the national average, in 2008 it was 28% higher than the national average. Madeira was the Portuguese region with the highest increase in GDP between 1995 and 2008. It is now the second richest region in Portugal, with a GDP per capita of 97%, if the EU average is taken as 100%. Lisbon has a GDP per capita of 105% and an income 38% above the national average. The Algarve occupies the third position in national rankings. The North region was the most impoverished area for the last 13 years, having the lowest income per capita.

Giants of Costa Crociere registered in MAR.  The International Shipping Register of Madeira had a historic day yesterday with the registration of three large cruise ships of Costa Crociere, the largest cruise company in Europe and a worldwide giant. Grand Holiday, Grand Voyager and Grand Mistral (photo) were registered here. The registration is important to Madeira, because as well as the 100,000 euros fees paid upon registration, the annual fee is 50,000 euros, and the transport capacity of millions of tourists generates millions of euros of revenue each year that benefit the region, with revenues from VAT on all activities related to the activity of shipping – accommodation and restaurants – and the profits will be subject to IRC (corporation tax).

Porto Moniz debt almost €10 million. Liability of the Municipality of Porto Moniz is around 8.8 million euros. With the 1.1 million the authority is likely to have to return to the Turismo de Portugal for the construction of the Aquarium, the default rises to astronomical numbers given the size of the county. Last year alone, the debt increased 84%. This is the debt left by the previous administration to the present council. The population at the last census was 2,927 (now likely to be smaller), giving a debt per person of 3,000 euros. The majority of revenue is from agriculture and construction. 2010 will be a year of ‘restraint’ with only small works carried out. Suppliers need to be paid and the municipality requires a bank loan to pay them.

Night Markets. São Vicente, Friday 18 December from 21.00. Câmara de Lobos, December 22 from 21.00 at the Mercado do Município de Câmara de Lobos. Theme will be Relive the Christmas Traditions, with musical entertainment and typical Christmas delicacies. The Night Market in Funchal on the 23 December will have 66 spaces reserved for street trading. From the 21 December until Christmas Eve, you can buy fruit and vegetables from the 37 traders in the streets of Boa Viagem and Latino Coelho. Given the increasing number of people at the Night Market, more streets will be closed off from 18.00. All stalls must be dismantled by 6 am on the 24 December. The British School has its carol service tomorrow on Friday 17 December at the Hotel Tivoli at 17.30. Songs will be in Portuguese, French and English. Funds will go towards the education of children in Angola and Mozambique, and the cancer fund in memory of the previous school Director who died of cancer last year.

Madeira can benefit from Faro. Ryanair yesterday announced the opening of 14 new routes from 2010 which will link European cities to Faro. Faro will be linked to Birmingham, Derry, Knock, Denmark, Netherlands, Spain, France, Germany, Norway, Sweden and Italy. They may add links to Madeira. Announced 500 tickets at 5 euros each for journeys in January.

Solar panels in Caniçal. Machico Council will examine the planned construction of a facility with photovoltaic panels in Caniçal. The project is the responsibility of Nutroton Energy and the site will be in Feiteira. This company has a site in Porto Santo. Work should begin early next year with 27,000 panels installed.

Paul (Paul do Mar) sent this in … many thanks.

From a Ryanair press release: "6 based aircraft and 14 new routes (28 in total) being launched. Ryanair will create over 300 direct jobs and offer over 200 weekly flights to / from Faro in an investment of over $400 million in the airport. Ryanair’s new routes from Faro are to : Billund, Birmingham, Derry, Eindhoven, Kerry, Knock, Madrid, Marseille, Maastricht, Milan (Bergamo), Oslo (Rygge), Paris (Beauvais) and Stockholm (Skavsta). The additions will increase Ryanair’s traffic at Faro to 1.3million p.a. which will sustain 1,300 well paid local jobs in the region." LINK 

Today’s news headlines from the front page of the Diário de Notícias :

Increases inevitable - The price of bread, milk, chicken and pork will rise in 2010. And there are other goods awaiting market developments.

The main front page picture shows some sort of dredging boat at work in Funchal Port : Cleaning the port costs €322 thousand – Dredging starts in January. It aims to increase operational capability  and reduce mistakes, as one might anticipate for next Monday. The port authority APRAM has arranged for Funchal Port to be cleaned by dredging, with work starting on 4th January. APRAM monitors the depth of the water in the areas where ships berth, and have established that the time for a clean-up has arrived. The north terminal was done last year to allow for cruise ships to a depth of 7 metres. The south terminal has not been dredged since 2007, when  it was in preparation for the year end cruise ship visits. 

Today’s main news headline : Complaints every day – The Inspectorate of Economic Activities uncovers four irregularities daily in the food trade. ‘Operation Christmas’ has already caught refusals to exchange gifts. Some traders will only exchange gifts after Christmas period. They are obliged by law to do so at the time of the request as long as the request is made, as long as it is within the specified time and the customer has the receipt. Refunds are only mandatory where the goods are faulty and the retailer is unable to replace them with an equivalent or superior product. Food badly packaged, kept at an incorrect temperature, or even outside it’s expiry date are keeping the IAE team busy, with 3 to 4 infractions detected daily in the audit of stock management in the food trade. The Xmas operation is also looking at pricing, ensuring that the correct price is affixed to the products inspected, often finding that is not the reality.

Valter should keep calm – The former president of Porto Moniz advises the new counsellor not to panic when analysing the accounts of the past [regime?]. The story so far is covered above by Elaine, but now the former president of the câmara, Gabriel Farinha, is telling his successor Valter Correia not to get his knickers in a twist. The response comes after at a recent meeting it was said the administration of former president had been "disastrous". €10 million debt … pocket money for the fine PSD politicians (but only if they can get away with it). 

Today’s sport / football headline : Rúben on high – The creative Madeiran is now coveted by Sporting and FC Porto. Rúben Micael of Nacional is on the shopping list of a number of top clubs. He turned in a fantastic performance on Wednesday night in the Europa League, and scored two goals and set up another, and although he is much sought after by clubs in Portugal, Spain, France, and England, any deal is still some way off.

Just coming through on the radio is the draw for the knock-out stage (last 16) of the Champions League. Porto will play Arsenal.

Madeira on Orange Alert – Rain, wind and rough seas put the region on warning. The weather is going to remain unstable until at least the 20th December. I just remembered that Elaine has already covered this above.

If anyone else can oblige with the translation of any of the ‘blank’ or sparsely filled headlines, or other news stories, here is the link Thank you in anticipation.

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