National Horse Fair (Golegã Fair)Feira Nacional do Cavalo (Feira da Golegã)

Held each November in the town of Golegã (Santarém District), the Feira Nacional do Cavalo is Portugal’s premier equestrian festival and traditional fair. Now in its mid-20s edition, it showcases the Lusitano horse and Ribatejo equestrian culture through competitions, parades, and exhibitions of horsemanship. Events include dressage, show-jumping, rider training demonstrations, and a ceremonial procession of riders (“Campinos”) in local costume. The fair also encompasses the ancient "Feira de São Martinho" tradition: tasting new wine (agua-pé) and roasted chestnuts on Saint Martin’s Day. The entire town becomes a hub of rural folklore, with stalls selling regional crafts and food, and nightly entertainment deepening the sense of historic identity 1 2.

Golegã has been called the "Capital do Cavalo" (Horse Capital) of Portugal, reflecting a centuries-old heritage of horse breeding in the Ribatejo. For generations, local breeders and cowboys (campinos) have gathered here each year in honor of Saint Martin’s feast and equestrian competitions. Over time, the fair evolved from a local market day into a large national expo for Lusitano horse enthusiasts. The event honors agrarian traditions (Saint Martin as a harvest marker) and the community’s ranching identity, drawing participants from across Portugal and Lusophone countries.