In a communique published on his official site, the president greeted the people of the autonomous region of Madeira on a date which also commemorates their values and traditions.

“Today we celebrate 600 years of The Pearl of the Atlantic”, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said after being on the neighbouring island of Porto Santo and before taking part in the ceremonies in Madeira.

He went on to say "Today is a very relevant moment in our history. We celebrate the feats of explorers Gonçalves Zarco, Tristão Vaz Teixeira and Bartolomeu Perestrelo who, with a handful of brave sailors, founded Porto Santo and Madeira and created roots which are still today bearing fruit”.

“I send a special greeting to the regional authorities which, in good time, decided to organise an extensive programme of commemorations, which I support enthusiastically”, the president's internet page added.

Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said the commemoration of this “important historical chapter is also a commemoration of the archipelago of Madeira, of its values and traditions, biodiversity and rich landscape".

“Today is a celebration for all Portuguese, the people who, 600 years ago, arrived at those two islands in the middle of the Atlantic and established a unique, admirable culture, which we are so proud of”, he added.

Commemorations of the Day of Madeira and the Madeira Community take place in Funchal and Machico, and are presided by Tranquada Gomes, president of the regional parliament, and the president of the regional government, Miguel Albuquerque.