Did you that the Funchal District Band was popularly known as the “Guerrillas”? Between the 1950s and 1970s, it was common for members of this philharmonic band to dress themselves up for the musical parade through the streets and, later, to liven up the ball at its headquarters. The Carnival of the Funchal District Band or ”Carnival of the Guerrillas”, as it became popularly known, usually drew a large crowd.
As stated by Vítor Sardinha, it performed in the Brazilian style and brought together the entire ensemble into a musical troupe, with an appropriate plot. The party started with the route from Pontinha to the city pier, as if the band were coming from outside. There were one or two different costumes every year, and the music, in the Brazilian style, was sent to one of the board members, Mr. Brazão, who, being Brazilian, had numerous contacts with Rio de Janeiro samba schools. This connection made it possible to play all kinds of recent repertoires, a huge advantage when compared to its counterparts, which were limited to playing old tunes.

Here are some images, captured in 1960, by Manuel Gonçalves Rosado and which are part of his estate.
Madeira Ethnographic Museum

Bibliography:
Credits: 600 Years of Madeira and Porto Santo