Columbus Festival in Porto Santo: disembarkation, historic procession and sixteenth century market
It is during the month of September, in the town of Vila Baleira that runs the Columbus Festival in Porto Santo.
Published on January 16, 2026
It is during the month of September, in the town of Vila Baleira that runs the Columbus Festival in Porto Santo, which seeks to remember the adventure that was the Portuguese discoveries.
The Columbus Festival includes the Columbus Landing, a sixteenth-century market, theatrical performances, Dexterity games, weapons training, acrobatics and juggling, lots of music and exotic dances.
Columbus Festival in Porto Santo
Disembarkation and historic Procession
By nightfall, hundreds of people visit the beach to watch, on the first day of the Festival, the landing and reception to Christopher Columbus.
A replica of the Santa Maria de Colombo caravel brings the navigator and his entourage on a visit to the island of Porto Santo.
The ship is off and the landing is on small boats. As Columbus steps into the sand, the dialogues, courtesies, offerings to the captain, music and dances of the time begin.
Afterwards, the various elements representing the various classes and clergy are joined, and the procession is initiated by the main streets of the island.
Sixteenth century Market
The sixteenth-century market is a recreation of the markets of the time. Includes gastronomy, fights between merchants and traders, military garrison, trial of offenders, arts, theatrical scenes, animation, music and dance.
A conference on the navigator will also take place, marking the celebration of the 30 years of Casa Colombo-Porto Santo Museum.