Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, Dec. 31, 2025 (Lusa) - The regional government of Portugal's Madeira Island confirmed on Wednesday that the midnight fireworks display this New Year's Eve will go ahead, stating that the decision was based on the "continuous and rigorous assessment of weather forecasts" by the country's national meteorological institute (IPMA).
"Considering that the orange warning is only expected to be in place from 3 a.m. [on Thursday], the Regional Government believes that there is no justification for changing the timing of the fireworks display," said the Secretariat for Tourism, Environment and Culture in a statement.
The Madeira regional executive (PSD/CDS-PP) adds, however, that "the safety of the resident population, visitors and property remains an absolute priority, which is why some components of the entertainment associated with the celebrations have been adjusted".
As such, the entertainment planned for Praça do Povo will be brought forward to 10:30 pm, and the "Tina Turner Show" will be cancelled.
The Christmas Market, located in the central square of Avenida Arriaga, in the centre of Funchal, one of the most popular places during the festive season, will close at 1:00 a.m., as will all entertainment in Praça do Povo.
"In view of the weather conditions forecast for the early hours of the morning, the Regional Government recommends that, after the fireworks display, people return to their homes, hotels or other safe places, avoiding staying in exposed areas and unnecessary travel during the night," the statement said.
The Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN) has announced that, due to the weather warning issued for the Autonomous Region of Madeira, all classified walking trails will be closed on 1 January 2026 until 12:00 noon, recommending "strict compliance with the guidelines of the Civil Protection authorities and the adoption of responsible behaviour".
The Regional Government of Madeira, led by Social Democrat Miguel Albuquerque, stresses that it will continue to monitor weather conditions on an ongoing basis, in conjunction with Civil Protection and police forces, and is committed to updating information whenever necessary.
On Tuesday, the Madeira executive indicated that it had considered bringing forward the fireworks display to 8 pm today, considering that the orange warning was initially scheduled to come into effect at midnight on 1 January 2026.
The traditional fireworks display that marks the New Year in Madeira, one of the biggest events in the region, will take place in Funchal and will last eight minutes, with fireworks launched from 58 stations located in the amphitheatre, on the coastal avenue and on boats off the bay, totalling 22 tonnes of pyrotechnic material and 97,000 fireworks.
The national meteorological institute has placed the south coast of Madeira under a yellow warning for rain between 6 p.m. today and 3 a.m. on Thursday, then moving the entire archipelago to an orange warning until 9 a.m., due to the passage of the Francis depression.
The orange warning is issued by the national meteorological institute whenever there is a moderate to high risk weather situation, and the yellow warning when there is a risk situation for certain activities dependent on the weather situation.
DC/AYLS // AYLS
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