During the last week of April, the streets of Funchal, Madeira, fill with elaborate parades and ornate floats. Many varieties of flowers perfume the air.
Although Madeira has flowers year-round, the annual Flower Festival is held in spring when flowers are at their peak. Every year, competing groups parade in costume and perform in choreographed dances.
On the day before the flower parade, thousands of children gather in Praça do Municipio to lay blossoms to build the Wall of Hope.
The Funchal festival includes performances by traditional music groups, a major flower exhibition at the Ateneu Comercial, classical music concerts, several variety shows, the weaving of flower carpets in the streets, and the presentation of awards for the best-decorated shop window.
