What started out as a holiday for a Gr.8 learner of Eunice High School to the Portuguese island of Madeira in December 2024, turned into an adventure for local marimba players.
Margie Anderson, teacher at Eunice in charge of the marimba band, explains Claudia de Jesus sent a message to her asking if she could show the Madeiran community videos of Eunice’s marimba band performing.
“She went ahead and showed a video of the international marimba festival to Analiza de Sousa, president of the Luso South African Association of Portugal (ALSAP) in Madeira. This sparked a flame for wat was to come in June, with the marimba bands from Eunice and Grey College taking the tour of a lifetime to this island off the African coast.”
The adventure started on 12 June with the flight taking them to Madeira with two layovers, one in Angola and one in Lisbon.
Here they were met by De Sousa and her team. Once the marimba instruments were safely off the airplane, they headed to their first destination: the stunning city of Funchal.
Their accommodation was organised by the Municipality of Calheta. Upon arrival they were welcomed by ALSAP board members; the South African honorary consul, Gonçalo Nuno dos Santos; director of the Regional Communities and External Co-operation, Sancho Gomes; the president of the Calheta Municipality, Carlos Teles; and also the president of the Luso South African Chamber of Commerce in Portugal, Manuela Robinson with their executive secretary, Susy Azevedo.
After the official greetings, they were taken on a tour of Funchal.
“What an absolutely humbling experience. Lucky for us the weekly market on a Friday was being held, so we got a taste of the Madeira island culture. We indulged in the artwork on the doors, the breathtaking cathedrals, the iconic tiles used on walls and walking the cobblestone streets,” says Anderson.
On 14 June the South African cultural festival, the brainchild of De Sousa, took place in Fuchal.
The festival offers a celebration with food stalls and products from South Africa. It was here that the Eunice Marimbas and Grey Knights Marimba bands performed at the very pretty Ponta do Pargo.
“As the bells rang after mass, the flags were raised of Portugal, Madeira and Ponta do Pargo, followed by the singing of the South African anthem and raising of the South African flag. There was even a traditional ‘sokkie’, with the coach of the marimbas and the president himself, to kick off the festival.”
The entertainment line-up was jam packed, featuring everything from the very traditional dancers to a talented DJ.
Anderson says the marimba bands stole the hearts of the Portuguese community.
“They delivered absolutely stunning performances, one in the afternoon and another later the night. The girls and boys worked so hard, and it all truly paid off.”
The next morning they left for Calheta, where they stayed in Estreito for the duration of the visit.
“Here we were wined and dined and taken on the most spectacular tours. This included visits to the banana museum, the aquarium, the highest lookout point with a glass floor, the sugar cane museum, all with beautiful beaches and look-out points on route to all the excursions. There was even a braai in the forest, feasting on espetada made the traditional way.”
The group of marimba players were also showcased on local TV.
Anderson says the the TV producer said that it was the largest band that they had ever had on set, and the kids were amazing.
“So much so that an invitation for 2026 was extended to us.”
The group then took part in a parade in Calheta.
“What an eye-opening experience of people getting together to celebrate life. The procession took over two hours.”
Anderson says the whole experience was life changing for each and every member of the tour.
“I am so thankful to everyone that made this tour possible. Most importantly to each and every learner for all their hard work and dedication; our world-renowned choreographer, Willie Venter; and all the parents for having the learners at all rehearsals and the support they give each and every day. And then my travelling team: Brenda Myburgh, Shane Marais, Demetri Kartszounis, Chantell Gordon, Elize Gordon, Magda le Roux and Josie and Cecilia de Jesus.”
Anderson is especially grateful to Analiza de Sousa and Fatima Pambo and all the members involved.
The two bands are looking forward to taking part in a Guinness World Record event held in Cape Town in August, as well as the nationals held in Durban in September.
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