Golegã Horse Fair (Complete 2025 Guide)

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1. History of the Fair
   
   

2. 2025 Dates & Packages
   
   

3. Key Highlights
   
   

4. Things to do
   
   
5. 2024 Gallery Recap
   

6. FAQs

    

Golegã Horse Fair History

Every November, the quiet town of Golegã turns into the beating heart of Portugal’s horse world. For ten days, the streets fill with Lusitano stallions, traditional riders, and visitors from around the globe—here for one thing: the Feira Nacional do Cavalo.

If you’re planning to visit in 2025, this guide breaks down everything you need to know

Golegã Horse Fair 2025 Dates

📅 Dates of the Fair for 2025 are 7th to 16th November

The Golegã Horse Fair is centered around Saint Martin’s Day (11th November), an important date in Portuguese culture. This week is filled with dressage, parades, competitions, and festive celebrations. 

Golegã Horse Fair Schedule

The schedule is yet to be announced, it's mostly announced a month prior to the event. But for reference and knowledge, here is the schedule for 2024. →

Key Highlights

Lusitano Horse Showcases – Experience the best of the breed in in-hand and ridden competitions.

Dressage & Working Equitation – Riders perform high-level movements in front of enthusiastic crowds.

Carriage Driving – A stunning display of traditional horse-drawn carriages parading through town.

Casettas – Exclusive breeder spaces where visitors can mingle, watch events, and experience true Portuguese equestrian hospitality.

Street Riding & Spontaneous Piaffes – Unlike any other festival, you’ll find horses everywhere, with impromptu performances on every corner.

Late-Night Festivities – The fair stays open until 2 a.m., so expect music, dancing, and unforgettable moments. Know more about Golega Night Life →

Things to do at the Golegã Horse Fair

To help you make the most of your time at the festival, here’s a recommended itinerary:

Things to do in the Morning

• Start the day with a coffee and pastéis de nata at a local café.
• Wander through the breeder stands, where you can meet world-class Lusitano horses.
• Watch the first dressage or working equitation events of the day.

Things to do in the Afternoon

• Take a carriage ride through town for a unique perspective.
• Visit the Casettas—private spaces run by breeders that offer an authentic Portuguese equestrian experience.
• Enjoy local Portuguese cuisine at one of the many food stalls.

Things to do in the Evening

• Join the crowds in the Manga for nighttime showcases.
• Experience spontaneous street performances, where riders may break into piaffes and passages right before you.
• Enjoy the fair’s vibrant nightlife, traditional music, dancing, and mingling with horse lovers.

Golegã doesn’t slow down after dark — it comes alive. You just need to know where to look.

Here’s where to find the best nightlife during the Horse Fair →.

Shopping at the fair

If you love horses, good leather, or both,  Golegã is the place to be. The town turns into an open-air marketplace. 

Here’s what you’ll find lining the cobbled streets:

• Portuguese riding attire – Classic jackets, boots, and hats made for style and the saddle.

• Artisan tack & saddles – Handcrafted pieces built to last, with signature Portuguese detailing.

• Leather goods & accessories – Belts, gloves, and more — ideal keepsakes or gifts.

• Local crafts & antiques – One-of-a-kind finds, from hand-painted ceramics to equestrian artwork.

Looking for riding gear or just want a beautiful souvenir, there’s plenty to browse (and buy).

Food Must-Trys:

• Bacalhau (salted cod)
• Leitão (roast suckling pig)
• Castanhas (roasted chestnuts)
• Churros
  

Don’t forget to pick up some of Portugal’s famous Ginja liqueur, a cherry-infused drink traditionally served in chocolate cups!

Check out our detailed blog on what to eat & drink in Golega →

Golegã Horse Fair 2024 Photos

Last year was wild — in the best way. Lusitanos danced in the streets, the Manga glowed at night, music filled the air, and there was plenty of Ginja to go around.

We captured some great moments from 2024 — scroll down to see the highlights.
Want a peek into Cavago’s luxe experience? Check out our personal gallery →

Golegã Horse Fair FAQs

What is the Golegã Horse Fair?

The Golegã Horse Fair is Portugal’s most iconic equestrian festival, held every November in the town of Golegã. Known as the capital of the Lusitano horse, the fair brings together riders, breeders, and horse lovers from around the world.  

It features traditional dressage, working equitation, carriage driving, and spontaneous street performances, all celebrating the country’s deep-rooted equestrian culture.

The event transforms the quiet town into a vibrant showcase of Portuguese horsemanship and heritage.

What to do?

• Watch world-class dressage, equitation, and carriage driving

• Shop for authentic Portuguese equestrian gear

• Experience local food and culture

• Ride through town and be part of the festival

What time does the festival start?

Events typically begin in the morning and run until late at night, with the fair staying open until 2 a.m.

How far is Golegã from Lisbon?

120 km north of Lisbon (about 1.5 hours by car)

How to get to Golega?

• By Car: Take the A1 motorway north from Lisbon.
• By Train: Travel from Lisbon to the nearest train station, then take a taxi or shuttle.
• By Bus: Several tour companies offer day trips from Lisbon.
  
  

Know more on how to get to Golega

Where and how to buy the fair tickets?

Entry to the fair is free; however, some special events require tickets. As the event date approaches, please check the official website for further details.

What makes Golegã different from other horse fairs in Portugal?

Golegã stands out due to its deep-rooted equestrian culture, the sheer number of Lusitano breeders in attendance, and its unique setting, where horses and riders freely navigate the town’s streets alongside visitors.

What makes Golegã special compared to other European horse fairs?

Unlike traditional European horse fairs, which focus on commercial sales, Golegã celebrates Lusitano heritage. It blends top-tier equestrian performances with community traditions and culture, creating an electric atmosphere that lasts well into the night.

Why You Can't-Miss Golegã 2025

The Golegã Horse Fair is a wholesome experience. It’s the sound of hooves on cobblestone streets, the energy of a community that breathes horses, and the chance to witness some of the world’s most beautiful and talented equines in action.

Whether you’re a rider, breeder, or simply a horse lover, Golegã 2025 is calling. Pack your bags, bring your boots, and get ready for the ride of a lifetime.

See you in Golegã!

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