Funchal - Madeira Island - Portugal - Page 4 - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

biaria · 06-12-2009, 07:46 PM

June is the month when we celebrate our Popular Saints: Saint Anthony on the 12th and 13th, Saint John on the 23rd and 24th and Saint Peter on the 28th and 29th.

Saint Anthony is Lisbon’s patron saint, but he is also commemorated in Madeira. This evening (the 12th), in Funchal’s suburb of Santo António, lots of people gathered on the side walks to watch the popular marches going through the streets, dancing and singing to the sound of a very characteristic kind of music. Several groups took part, coming from different parts of the island, all trying to do better than the other, in order to win one of the prizes.

I found some photos where you can see what the groups look like. These were taken in 2006, but the visual effect doesn’t differ too much from year to year
. .. Junta de Freguesia de Santo Antonio - Funchal - Madeira..

nealberk · 06-12-2009, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by biaria

....
One of the reasons it's famous for, is the fact that it houses Austrian Emperor Karl I of Habsburg's coffin....

There has to be a story. Why is an Austrian emperor buried there?

nealberk · 06-12-2009, 08:17 PM

And I too want to thank you for the interesting information you have provided us!

Char · 06-12-2009, 08:57 PM

Eusebia, the pictures at the end show the actual dancing...I like that! Thanks for sharing!

biaria · 06-14-2009, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nealberk

There has to be a story. Why is an Austrian emperor buried there?

Hi Neal,

You’re right, there must be a reason for an Austrian Emperor to end up in his coffin in Madeira.

So, history has it that Karl I was made Emperor in 1916, in the middle of World War I. As he had a very strong Catholic upbringing, he tried to find a way to restore peace, but, with the end of the war, the Habsburg Empire ended as well.

There was a transition to a Democratic Republic, so Karl was no longer recognized as a governant and was banished from his country.

He was sent to Switzerland, but, as he tried to regain the throne twice, he was then sent, in 1921 to Madeira.

His opponents must have thought they would be safer, with Karl living in a remote island, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Here he lived poorly, with his wife Zita and his chidren.

Sadly he died the following year, at the age of 34, due to pneumonia. At the time of his death Zita was pregnant with their 8th child.

Today, his coffin remains, in full view, in Our Lady of Monte's Curch, here, in Funchal Madeira, Portugal.

I personally think it was a pity that his life had such a bad turn. As he had very high moral values, he would have been an excellent husband, father and leader.

He was declared Blessed, by Pope John Paul II, in October 3rd 2004.

In case you'd like a more in depth information have a look here:
Charles I of Austria - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

biaria · 06-14-2009, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nealberk

And I too want to thank you for the interesting information you have provided us!

Hi again Neal,

It's really my pleasure to provide some information about Madeira.

biaria · 06-14-2009, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Char

Eusebia, the pictures at the end show the actual dancing...I like that! Thanks for sharing!

Hi Char,

I'm glad you liked the photos.

As you mentioned the dancing, I'm sending the link to the second set of photos. Hope you like it too.
.. Junta de Freguesia de Santo Antonio - Funchal - Madeira..

canarymoon · 06-14-2009, 12:44 PM

That is really interesting about Karl I!
Do you happen to know if any of his descendents still live there?

biaria · 06-14-2009, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by canarymoon

That is really interesting about Karl I!
Do you happen to know if any of his descendents still live there?

Hi canarymoon,

There are no known Karl I's descendents in Madeira. They must have left as soon as possible and I think this island still brings them very sad memories and thoughts.

canarymoon · 06-14-2009, 01:39 PM

Yes, that makes sense.
An interesting bit of your history, though.