The tragedy of February 20th 2010 will always be remembered. Today, in the presence of the Mayor of Funchal, Paulo Cafôfo, a “sculptural panel” by the sculptor Paul Neves will be unveiled in memory of the 51 official victims of the flood. The ceremony takes place at 15:00 on the first floor of the Farmers Market.
The Diario today devotes 13 pages in the print edition to the events and repercussions of the floods, and reports that there are still 79 Madeiran families waiting for housing assistance and that only half the money promised has arrived. It also features the opinions of 20 different local figures on what has been learned or should have been learned from that fateful day four years ago.
I came across one particularly graphic account from the Guardian at the time which I have not reproduced here – a little too graphic for some, but bringing home the magnitude of what happened: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/feb/22/madeira-floods-landslides-car-death
Any news on The Brit? I see the German version (In Madeira) has also stopped at the January edition.
It’s good that a proper memorial is to be erected to honour those that perished. I had it in mind that the toll was in the forties not 51.
Aren’t the names of the victims carved into slabs along the pavement in front of the Sao Lourenco shopping mall? I always thought that that was an odd location.
Comment received by e-mail today:
“Swindling taxi drivers. You book in good faith. They tell you it will be seven euros. You say “take eight” (being generous and wanting to help). You check your change and they’ve taken nine! You’re with friends. You put up with it. It’s only a euro. But it stinks. Curses on the taxi driver outside Il Trappasol at 10.30 on Wednesday night!!! Up yours.”
The comment could only be posted by someone from Yorkshire.
It’s only a euro, get over it!
And what’s wrong with Yorkshireman?
I have to say I love the Portuguese but there’s swindlers in all countries.
You try going to London.
On one occasion we where buying petrol and we always give them a few cents for filling us up. This cheeky beggar asked to keep the 2 euros change. So we gave him nowt, and we don’t use that station any more.
On another occasion at one of the restaurants on the front of Ribeira Brava the lady who served us tried the same, this time it was 5 euros. Needless to say she got nowt.
So they’ve lost our custom forever. Talk about being short sighted.
Still love Madeira though.
In February, the Madeira Classical Orchestra rejoices its fiftieth anniversary with a Gala Concert at the Madeira Casino Auditorium.
On February 23, from 6.00pm takes off a lively and unique late afternoon event, obviously with music, to celebrate the institution’s half a century.
I had to find this back as I forgot to put it on my calendar! so a reminder for anyone else who is interested.
Thank you for the reminder Sue! I’ve just been to their site and I think the time appears to be 7pm??
http://www.ocmadeira.com/2013/
Do you know the ticket price by any chance? I always find it very difficult getting precise information regarding the Orchestra’s events, particularly the duration of some concerts!
Nice site,
MeteoMachico dot com
The Mandolin Orchestra have their anniversary (101 years) tonight at Congresso Hall next to the Casino
Sorry Jane don’t know the ticket price – I think the New Year’s Day concert was €15 – so maybe that is a guide, but as it is a Gala concert it might rise to around €20 – but only guessing.
I am always late – have just found out that if you bought the tickets before Friday – i.e. yesterday!! they were 10€ but on the evening they will be €20 – should try and read the local papers more frequently!
Thank you again Sue! I did see the posters and then forgot so I would have missed it anyway if it wasn’t for your reminder and then my comment was delayed due to inserting the whole site address – oops! Thank you to Admin as well for correcting my mistake!
Yes it’s definitely worth reading the Diário regularly. In fact, you can
have it delivered to your address daily at a big discount, together with a whole host of discounts from retailers, clinics etc. etc. I use some of
these regularly and actually come out way ahead in profit over the year!
Very good for one’s Portuguese too!
The concert tomorrow is at 7pm but doors open at 6.30pm and it’s advisable to get there early to keep a seat as special concerts like this are very well attended.