A Christmas tradition of Madeira, the Missas do Parto (Masses of the expected birth) occur at various churches around the island from the 16th to the 24th of December, usually between 6.00 to 7 am. After the Masses the locals provide refreshments (cocoa, home made licquores, biscuits, chicken soup, etc.) in the surrounds of the church. Groups of singers form and play typical instruments such as the rajão and braguinha (four string mini guitars), the castanholas (castanets), the pandeiro (tamborine) , the gaita(bagpipes) and the accordion.
In recent years this tradition has revived and many people attend the masses.
Missas do Parto around Madeira
Missas do Parto in the Funchal area
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