The New Year’s Eve fireworks show planned for Madeira’s capital city of Funchal is at risk due to forecasts of heavy rain, high winds and rough seas, reports SIC Notícias.
An orange warning has been issued for the early hours of New Year’s Day, but the decision to bring forward or postpone the fireworks has not yet been made by the Madeira Regional Government.
It is the most eagerly awaited moment and, in Madeira, welcoming the New Year without a fireworks display is almost unthinkable, but the weather may put that tradition at risk.
In almost 100 years of fireworks in Funchal Bay, only once, on New Year’s Eve 1968, were the fireworks postponed until January 1 because of rain, wind and rough seas, explains SIC Notícias.
Forecasts indicate that Depression Francis is expected to last until the first days of January.
According to Correio da Manhã, the Madeira Regional Government is spending over €1 million on fireworks.
