10Apr2025
Politics
→Rubina Leal becomes the first woman to lead Madeira's Parliament
For the first time, a woman was elected President of Madeira's Legislative Assembly.
⌖ Legislative Assembly of Madeira, Funchal
80 YEARS OF ISLAND MEMORYThe moments that shaped modern Madeira.
A sourced archive of the defining events of the last 80 years — disasters and recoveries, democracy, mobility, public health, culture and the natural heritage of the archipelago.
26verified moments
1946–2026 · CURATED ARCHIVE
14Aug2024
Disaster
→The major wildfire of August 2024
A fire that began in Ribeira Brava spread to Ponta do Sol and the Central Mountain Massif, affecting about 5,000 hectares.
⌖ Ribeira Brava, Ponta do Sol and the Central Mountain Massif9Oct2023
Disaster
→The October 2023 wildfires
Wildfires struck central and western Madeira, particularly Calheta and Porto Moniz.
⌖ Calheta, Porto Moniz and Câmara de Lobos16Mar2020
Society
→Madeira confirms its first COVID-19 case
Confirmation of the first case marked Madeira's entry into a health emergency that profoundly changed daily life.
⌖ Autonomous Region of Madeira17Apr2019
Transport
→The coach crash in Caniço
A serious tourist coach crash in Caniço triggered a major emergency, rescue and victim-support operation.
⌖ Caniço, Santa Cruz15Aug2017
Disaster
→The Monte tree disaster
A large oak fell onto the crowd during the Our Lady of Monte festival, causing 13 deaths.
⌖ Monte, Funchal8Aug2016
Disaster
→The August 2016 wildfires
Fire spread from the hills into Funchal, causing three deaths, displacing hundreds and inflicting extensive damage.
⌖ Funchal, Calheta and other municipalities3Oct2012
Society
→Madeira's first dengue outbreak is identified
The first locally acquired dengue cases in Madeira were reported, triggering a major public-health response.
⌖ Madeira island20Feb2010
Disaster
→The flood of 20 February 2010
Extreme rainfall caused flooding, landslides and destruction, hitting Funchal and Ribeira Brava particularly hard.
⌖ Funchal, Ribeira Brava and other municipalities2Dec2008
Culture
→Cristiano Ronaldo wins his first Ballon d'Or
The Funchal-born footballer became the third Portuguese player to receive football's most prestigious individual award.
⌖ Funchal and Manchester31Dec2006
Culture
→Madeira's fireworks enter Guinness World Records
Funchal's New Year's Eve display was recognised as the world's largest fireworks display.
⌖ Funchal bay15Sept2000
Infrastructure
→Madeira Airport's major runway extension opens
Madeira Airport's runway was extended to 2,781 metres, with part of the structure built over the sea.
⌖ Santa Cruz and Machico4Dec1999
Environment
→The Laurisilva becomes World Heritage
UNESCO inscribed Madeira's Laurisilva forest on the World Heritage List.
⌖ Madeira Natural Park29Oct1993
Disaster
→The flash flood of 29 October 1993
A severe storm struck the island, causing deaths, disappearances, injuries and hundreds of displaced residents.
⌖ Funchal, Santa Cruz, Machico and other locations13Sept1988
Society
→The University of Madeira is established
The University gave the Region its own public institution for higher education and research.
⌖ Funchal10Nov1982
Environment
→Madeira Natural Park is created
The Region gained an institution dedicated to protecting nature, biodiversity and landscape.
⌖ Madeira island23Jan1979
Disaster
→The January 1979 storm
Intense rain and landslides struck mainly Machico and Porto da Cruz, causing 14 deaths.
⌖ Machico, Porto da Cruz and other locations19Nov1977
Transport
→The TAP Flight 425 disaster
A Boeing 727 overran the runway while landing at Madeira Airport; 131 of the 164 people aboard died.
⌖ Madeira Airport, Santa Cruz27Jun1976
Politics
→Madeira holds its first regional election
Madeirans elected the members of their autonomous parliament for the first time.
⌖ Autonomous Region of Madeira1May1974
Society
→Madeira marks its first free May Day
Thousands took to the streets of Funchal only days after the April Revolution.
⌖ Municipal Square, Funchal9Sept1973
Infrastructure
→Funchal District Hospital opens
The present Dr Nélio Mendonça Hospital began operating, fulfilling a long-standing aspiration of Madeira's population.
⌖ Funchal8Jul1964
Infrastructure
→Madeira Airport opens
The arrival of a TAP Super Constellation from Lisbon marked the official opening of what was then Santa Catarina Airport.
⌖ Santa Cruz28Aug1960
Infrastructure
→Porto Santo Airport opens
A TAP Douglas DC-4 made the official inaugural flight to the new two-kilometre runway.
⌖ Porto Santo3Nov1956
Disaster
→The 1956 Machico flash flood
A cloudburst struck Machico, Porto da Cruz, Água de Pena, Santo da Serra and Santa Cruz, causing six deaths and widespread destruction.
⌖ Machico, Santa Cruz and the east coast5Jan1950
Culture
→Churchill paints Câmara de Lobos bay
Photographs of Winston Churchill at his easel created one of the most enduring images of Madeira's international profile.
⌖ Câmara de Lobos15May1949
Transport
→Regular flying-boat service begins
Aquila Airways began regular services between Southampton and Funchal, via Lisbon.
⌖ Funchal bay