Hi Rob, The school children were singing a song in celebration of the Dia dos Reis Magos (The Magi Kings Day/The Three Wise Men or Magi) which is celebrated on Jan 6 (12 days after Christmas Day) and also you are right it is also called Epiphany. It is a Christian Holiday that celebrates the Three Wise Men or Magi who visited baby Jesus after flowing the Star of Bethlehem. It commemorates the biblical story of the Magi bringing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to Jesus. Hence the kids wearing homemade crowns for this celebration. I am very glad they are still keeping the old traditions... In the old times adults wearing costumes would go door to door singing the "Dia dos Reis Magos" songs... and in return they would receive gifts and it was considerate to be a blessing to the homes visited. Rob, the carros de cestos (the wicker baskets on skids) were not the only ancient transportation on Madeira. They used to have the Hammock (or rede), the wicker toboggans, ox carts, the donkey route and the Monte Railway... Hope this helps to understand the history and traditions of Madeira Island. Have a wonderful day... Cheers CARL (Toronto, Canada)
@@pattyhoffman6651 Indeed. They are so creative in their designs and colours. I think culture enriches their lives. They also put in lots of work to learn the verses and singing in harmony... Job well done. They did us proud.
The children made such beautiful crowns. Their singing performance is quintessential Madeira. Love it.
Hi Rob,
The school children were singing a song in celebration of the Dia dos Reis Magos (The Magi Kings Day/The Three Wise Men or Magi) which is celebrated on Jan 6 (12 days after Christmas Day) and also you are right it is also called Epiphany. It is a Christian Holiday that celebrates the Three Wise Men or Magi who visited baby Jesus after flowing the Star of Bethlehem. It commemorates the biblical story of the Magi bringing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to Jesus.
Hence the kids wearing homemade crowns for this celebration.
I am very glad they are still keeping the old traditions... In the old times adults wearing costumes would go door to door singing the "Dia dos Reis Magos" songs... and in return they would receive gifts and it was considerate to be a blessing to the homes visited.
Rob, the carros de cestos (the wicker baskets on skids) were not the only ancient transportation on Madeira. They used to have the Hammock (or rede), the wicker toboggans, ox carts, the donkey route and the Monte Railway...
Hope this helps to understand the history and traditions of Madeira Island.
Have a wonderful day...
Cheers
CARL (Toronto, Canada)
Thank you for sharing this. I just loved seeing the children in their beautiful handmade crowns. :-)
@@pattyhoffman6651 Indeed. They are so creative in their designs and colours. I think culture enriches their lives. They also put in lots of work to learn the verses and singing in harmony... Job well done. They did us proud.
Actually, the toboggans were first a way to transport the ice from Poço da Neve in Pico do Areeiro to the hotels ,hospital and the rich families
Thank you for the clarification! And thanks for watching!