Carreiros Do Monte Toboggan Ride

'Carreiros', the drivers of Funchal's famous 'Carreiros de Monte' toboggan ride, prepare to take passengers downhill, on 19th April 2024, in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal. The 10-minute slide down steep side streets is an exciting 2km, 30mph ride controlled by two 'Carreiros'. The Monte Toboggans Sledges first originated in the early 19th century when they were used as first means of "downhill" public transportation by the local residents who wanted to travel quickly from the village of Monte to the city of Funchal. The toboggans are powered by two sledge "Carreiros" drivers wear white and hats known as "Straw boaters", also they use rubber soled boots, so that they are able to stop the sledge when necessary by making use of their boots as brakes. The Monte Sledges are made of wicker and mounted on two wooden runners. They are traditionally handcrafted by skilled craftsmen and master carpenters, experts in the hand wicker-making technique from the mid-1800s. (Photo by Richard Baker / In Pictures via Getty Images)