The organization of the first Madeira Festival, held in Purley, England, honoured Madeiran decorator João Egídio, originally from São Jorge.
Egídio was responsible for decorating the stage of the three-day event, which was attended by hundreds of Portuguese emigrants, predominantly from Madeira. The organizers highlighted João Egídio's work, who dedicated 45 years of his public service to decorating various events in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.
Known within the emigrant community, particularly for his work on the Flower Festival and Madeira Carnival, João Egídio expressed feeling honoured by the invitation. He also noted that the festival was organized by a "fellow countryman from my parish of São Jorge," marking his first time decorating a stage for the Madeiran community in the UK.
