This is the final article in this series about the grievances of the local population against foreigners.
I am really at a bit of a loss to understand the real concern that is making this an issue for Madeirans. This was published in yesterday’s Journal da Madeira (23 May). It is an annual event, and the only one of it’s kind that can be described as being culturally diverse … except for Madeirans of course, although extremely limited in its representation of the number of nationalities present in Madeira.
**********
The Regional Secretary for Inclusion, Labor, and Youth, Paula Margarido, today highlighted the importance of respecting difference and diversity in building a better world.
Representing the President of the Regional Government, Miguel Albuquerque, at the official opening of the ‘2025 Cultural Diversity Festival’, Margarido emphasized that at this festival “we celebrate diversities, differences, respect, friendship, and fraternity. And it is with this strength that we can and will change the world.” The grand Cultural Diversity Festival, held this year on May 23rd and 24th at the São Martinho Civic Center, brings together various foreign communities residing in the Autonomous Region of Madeira, represented by countries such as South Africa, Angola, Brazil, Ecuador, Spain, Italy, India, Pakistan, Romania, Ukraine, and Venezuela.
The initiative is promoted by the Regional Directorate for Communities and External Cooperation (DRCCE), in partnership with the São Martinho Parish Council, and is part of the celebrations for World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, observed on May 21st.
The opening ceremony took place at the São Martinho Civic Center and was also attended by the President of the São Martinho Parish Council, Marco Gonçalves, and the Councilor of the Funchal City Council, Ana Bracamonte, among other dignitaries.
********
Full credit goes to the organisers of this event, but is it really representative if the Madeirans commity is not represented or contributing, apart from some organisational assistance? Some party goers too I assume.
The Regional Government of Madeira, whist having shown itself receptive to immigrants for market needs, understands nothing of integration and it’s importance for a harmonious and all encompassing Madeira community.
Moving on, this only demonstrates the divide between Madeirans and the immigrants community. The Madeirans have their traditionals and cultural events, but these are closed shop for non-madeirans.
Even advertising is used only for the large commercial events. Most local events are not advertised, or if they are it is in Portuguese on local radio, sometimes in the local press (usually reported during or after the event has finished).
Not hidden from the immigrants are the popular street festivals that these days are 100% commercial events in open spaces, and for sure immigrant and tourist money is an important factor in the financial success of these annual events.
Other cultural and traditional events are pretty much reserved for the Madeirans, with outside involvement actively discouraged.
So how are migrants interfering or spoiling these traditions, if they are excluded from them?
Of course leaving the multiple immigrant groups out of local events will mean that sufficiently sized groups of immigrants will organise their own events.
I only managed to think of one event that clashes between Madeirans and limited groups of immigrants. I will let AI draw conclusions on this one.
*********
It’s interesting to consider how the increasing popularity of Halloween in Madeira, particularly among children, might interact with the traditional Portuguese event of “Pão por Deus” (Bread for God).
Here’s a breakdown of the situation and what it might signify:
Pão por Deus: This is a deeply rooted Portuguese tradition, celebrated on November 1st (All Saints’ Day). Children traditionally go door-to-door, often with specially decorated bags, asking for “Pão por Deus” (bread for God’s sake). They receive treats like bread, cakes, nuts, and dried fruits, often reciting verses. It’s a custom tied to honoring the deceased and a sense of community and charity. In Madeira, it was a strong tradition.
Halloween: This holiday, with its American and British influences, has grown significantly in popularity in Portugal, including Madeira, in recent years. It brings with it customs like trick-or-treating, costumes, and spooky decorations.
The “Clash” or Coexistence: The fact that both occur around the same time (Halloween on October 31st, Pão por Deus on November 1st) naturally leads to a certain overlap or “clash”. Blending of traditions: Some sources indicate that while the commercialized Halloween is gaining traction, it often blends with the existing Pão por Deus tradition.
Children might go door-to-door for “Pão por Deus” but also embrace Halloween costumes and themes.
Shift in focus: For some, especially younger generations, the fun and commercial appeal of Halloween might overshadow the traditional spiritual and communal aspects of Pão por Deus. There’s a risk of the traditional meaning being diluted.
Adaptation, not necessarily substitution: While some aspects of Pão por Deus might recede in prominence, it’s not necessarily a complete substitution. Many schools and families still actively promote and celebrate Pão por Deus, perhaps with a more modern twist. It’s more of an evolution or a fusion rather than an outright replacement.
********
AI also suggested that areas like cuisine, music and language, may be in the origins of the complaints of the Madeirans .
Healing Madeira 