Mercado dos Lavradores (The Workers Market), Funchal (must see)

Cross over the Market Bridge (Ponte do Mercado) at the end of the Fernao Ornelas Street and one is standing before the art deco entrance to the Workers Market of Funchal. Opened in November 1940 and Designed by Edmundo Tavares, the facade and the market throughout are decorated with panels of Azulejo tiles by Joao Rodrigues depicting scenes of Funchal.

The market is divided up into squares and staircases of sales venues. Inside the main entrance are stands for flowers, seeds and bulbs, some stands in operation for as much as fifty years. In the main square within are fruit and vegetable stands, cafes, wine shops and some souvenir stalls.

Cross the square to the opposite side and nose out the fish and seafood market. Ah, the aroma! But it's all good. The walls are adorned with illustrations of different fish and other denizens of the sea.

Second floor, exotic fruit, dried berries, rare herbs and cork things. Also, there is a sizable terrace with two sizable cafes. Have a seat and enjoy a break.

The market neighborhood is always busy as bee hive. Busiest of all is the night before Christmas Eve. That's when Market Night is celebrated in Funchal. The Workers Market becomes an open party of music, food and drink stands. It's Christmas in Madeira!