Less fattening than pancakes

Madeirans from all over the island came to Funchal for the Shrove Tuesday Carnival's Fun Parade today - either parading or watching. In the Extras you can see that our NHS is not alone in needing funding: Causa Social paraders came from los Porto do Cruz, in the NE of the island and made a colourful contribution. My other Extra is of one of the youngest spectators. Like many, young and old, she was in fancy dress. But for my main blip - to convey the flavour of the procession - I've created a collage.

The event has such a wonderful atmosphere, good natured and enjoyable, as well as offering local and world political comment and satire. Angela Merkel, The Donald and Kim Jong-un battle over a missile, an RC priest follows a confessional box labelled 'Tell us later', there's a mobile banana tree and post boxes on legs, hill farmers in national dress, an aeroplane labelled Cristiano Ronaldo Airport (not all residents approve of its being named after the famous footballer), and even a pet dog joined the parade with its own transport.

For more pics of the wonderful event, don't miss Orchid99's blip.

As for my blip's title: watching this parade is definitely more fun and less fattening than the pancakes we'd be eating at home.