“We have already launched the contests and we have some surprises in store for these great events in the Madeira tradition during the Christmas season and at the end of the year”, said Eduardo Jesus.

The government official said that, regarding these two important events for Madeira tourism, the time of year when the island hotel occupancy is usually full, it is necessary “to promote a series of prevention measures that meet the recommendations of the health authority.”

Eduardo Jesus pointed out that, similar to what happened this year with the Flower Festival, whose programme was “reinvented”, with the traditional procession being replaced by 51 performances from the nine groups, these events will also be adapted to the circumstances related to the security measures imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Eduardo Jesus stressed that the important thing “is to never give up on the path” outlined, with the Madeiran government’s obligation to “find solutions, alternatives” for these situations.

“We cannot be resigned to the consequences of the pandemic. We must obey health guidelines, but within the limitations be able to come up with solutions”, reinforced the official.

He took the opportunity to praise “the exemplary behaviour in all demonstrations” adopted by most people in the region, concerning compliance with the prophylactic rules.

The island official said that the festive programme begins in early December, with the prospect of the traditional “Christmas market”, the illuminations in the city and its surroundings, as well as the “animation in the Praça do Povo along the same lines as usual, but with the necessary adaptations.”

Based on the available indicators, Eduardo Jesus mentioned that there is “a good perspective concerning accessibility, that is, companies that can transport people will have the capacity “better occupied” but he referred that everything is “always dependant on people’s trust”.

“This means that demand is reduced due to issues of trust,” he said, saying that if people feel “more comfortable to travel, the movement will be better”.