Latest news and stories about fireworks in Portugal for expats and residents.
Thousands chose Terreiro do Paço to ring in 2026. There were ten minutes of fireworks launched from the Tagus River in a show featuring 250 drones. Plutónio was the artist selected for the evening concert. The entertainment continued until 1am with DJ Mocho.
“A Passionate Meeting of Madeira with the World” was the theme of the fireworks display that marked New Year's Eve in Funchal, which was overshadowed by poor weather but nonetheless full of sparkle and watched by thousands.
CMTV presenter Ágata Rodrigues is in Funchal covering the celebrations.
The government is asking Madeiran residents to stay at home after the fireworks, as the bad weather is expected to worsen from 03:00.
Madeira is under a bad weather warning, but despite this the famous fireworks display will go ahead.
Municipalities are staging concerts featuring a range of Portuguese artists to enliven the night.
In Madeira, authorities say the fireworks display will go ahead, but other events in the programme have been changed because of inclement weather.
The Port of Funchal will have 11 cruise ships and a single sailing vessel positioned so passengers can watch the fireworks display and welcome the year 2026.
IPMA has placed the entire archipelago under an orange warning due to the passage of Storm Francis.
A storm that had been forecast for 5am is now expected to arrive later; Madeira will still hold its midnight fireworks display.
Fireworks on New Year's Eve provoke fear, stress and anxiety in animals. Many flee, several are struck by vehicles and some end up dying.
Lisbon, Porto, Albufeira and Funchal are just some of the major outdoor New Year's Eve parties with free entry to welcome 2026. To help you choose, follow this map of celebrations featuring big-name musical acts and plenty of fireworks.
