Madeira – The Place to be on New Year’s Eve by Linda Pereira, Travel Editor

madeira6.jpg The Island of Madeira is known as the Pearl of the Atlantic. Located just one and half hours from Continental Europe and with direct flights from the USA this amazing destination is famous for its New Year’s Eve celebrations.In fact the Guinness World Records™, has just declared the Annual New Year’s Eve  Fireworks Show as being “the greatest fireworks display in the world” . The display covers an area of about 4 miles in length and 2 miles in width around the capital city of Funchal

Every year hundreds of thousand of people travel to Madeira for this period to dance the year out on one of the world’s most beautiful islands, with amazing gastronomy, warm weather and to witness this amazing display. The Show lasts for 8 minutes with a different theme every year. Over 100 thousand people spill out onto balconies, hotel rooftops, moored yachts and cruise ships, glass of champagne in hand to watch the long-awaited show. In addition to the myriad of lights from the fireworks the City Council places over 500 thousand extra lamps in the streets Five minutes to midnight  the locals switch on all their lights and cruise ships sound their horns, and then hold their breaths for a few seconds of silence and suddenly without warning….an explosion of light illuminates the island to the sheer joy of all those watching.

However for all those wishing to partake of this wonderful sight, take long country walks in the warm winter sun, drink unbeatable local world-famous wines and eat memorable dishes…bookings must be made early. For 2007 the week of New Year’s was sold out in every hotel by February 23rd.

madeira1.jpg  Wherever you are on New Year’s Eve, I promise I will watch the show for you and raise my glass at midnight to all those who could not be there…and maybe next year I will see you there.

Linda Pereira, Executive Director – CPL EVENTS
Tel: (+351) 21 464 33 90/8 – www.cpl.pt   
 
CPL Events – L&I Com Ltd
Group of Companies providing a wide variety of services for the Organisation, Production and Management of International Congresses, Corporate Events, Motivation & Hospitality.