History of the Golegã Horse Fair

The Golegã Horse Fair in Portugal (officially the Feira Nacional do Cavalo) is a world-renowned equestrian festival with centuries of tradition behind it. Each November, the small town of Golegã transforms into the bustling “Capital of the Horse,” celebrating the Lusitano – Portugal’s iconic horse breed – through competitions, parades, and cultural festivities.

This annual 10-day gathering draws horse lovers from around the globe to experience a unique blend of history, heritage, and horsemanship.

Below, we explore the fair’s origins and evolution, the significance of the Lusitano horse, its economic and cultural impact, and the rich traditions and events that make Golegã an unmissable pilgrimage for equestrian enthusiasts.

Early History and Agricultural Roots

The roots of the Golegã Horse Fair stretch back to the 16th century, when an annual St. Martin’s Day Fair (“Feira de São Martinho”) was held in the region. A royal charter in 1571 granted Golegã the right to host this fair, establishing an important date in the town’s calendar and planting the seeds of a long-standing tradition.

In its early days, the fair was primarily an agricultural gathering. Local farmers from the Ribatejo region brought their cattle, mules, and produce to trade and celebrate the season’s harvest. But as time went on, something started to shift.

By the 18th century, Golegã had gained recognition not just for its rich farmland, but for being home to some of Portugal’s most prestigious Lusitano horse breeders. These breeders began bringing their horses to the fair, showcasing their strength, agility, and elegance. It didn’t take long for the Lusitanos to become the highlight of the event, gradually transforming the fair’s identity.

Evolution into an Equestrian Event

As the horses' prominence increased, the fair gradually transformed from its agricultural roots into a significant equestrian event. A major shift occurred in 1972, when the event was officially renamed Feira Nacional do Cavalo (National Horse Fair), highlighting its equestrian focus and spotlighting the Lusitano breed. Additional events, such as the Feira Internacional do Cavalo Lusitano (International Lusitano Horse Fair), further enhanced Golegã’s global equestrian reputation.

What began as a local market evolved by the late 20th century into Portugal’s premier horse festival, dedicated exclusively to showcasing the excellence of Lusitano horses.

Key Figures and Influential Milestones

Throughout its history, notable individuals and milestones have significantly influenced the fair. Golegã’s esteemed lineage of stud farm owners and horsemen has been pivotal, with families, including descendants of Portuguese nobility, showcasing their finest Lusitano horses, contributing greatly to the fair’s prestige.

King D. João V.

In the 18th century, King D. João V. significantly elevated the breed’s national importance through the creation of the Alter Real royal stud farm, dedicated to supplying Lusitanos exclusively for the Portuguese crown. This royal patronage greatly enhanced the breed’s prestige and importance, indirectly boosting events like the Golegã Fair.

Print of Alter Real young stock: 1800s

Influential Stud Families

Generations of prominent local families have played an essential role in breeding and promoting Lusitanos. Notable among these are the families descended from Portuguese nobility, who have maintained renowned stud farms such as Coudelaria Veiga and Coudelaria Andrade, consistently presenting their exceptional horses at the fair and solidifying its reputation as a premier equestrian event.

The Veiga Stud Farm, based at Quinta da Broa, Azinhaga do Ribatejo, was founded 220 years ago by Rafael José da Cunha, the so-called Prince of Portuguese Farmers.

Associação Feira Nacional do Cavalo

Coudelaria Andrade (Fair Association), established in recent decades, has provided leadership and vision for the fair’s continuous development. This organization has spearheaded numerous modern enhancements, ensuring the fair evolves while remaining true to its heritage.

Modern Developments and Infrastructure

In recent decades, institutions like the Associação Feira Nacional do Cavalo and local Golegã authorities have driven the fair’s growth. Notable enhancements include adding a 4,000 m² exhibition space in 2024, improving facilities to better accommodate growing crowds, and increasing participation.

Balancing tradition, such as maintaining the historic link to St. Martin’s Day, with modern innovations ensures the fair continues to celebrate its heritage while meeting contemporary expectations.

Key Traditions and Equestrian Events at Golegã

One reason the Golegã Horse Fair is so beloved is the rich tapestry of traditions and events that visitors can experience. From dawn till well past midnight, there is always something happening in this usually quiet town turned equestrian mecca. The schedule is packed with competitions, exhibitions, and celebrations that honor both the sporting aspect of the horse and the cultural festivities of Portugal. Here’s an overview of what to expect at Golegã:

Daily Parades in the “Manga”

Every afternoon and into the evening, riders take to the streets and the outer riding track – known as the manga – in a continuous informal parade.

Horsemen and horsewomen, often dressed in elegant traditional Portuguese riding attire (flat-brimmed hats, waist-length jackets, embroidered vests, and riding boots), ride their Lusitanos leisurely around the central plaza.

The manga encircles the main square (near the 16th-century church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição) and serves as the heart of the fair’s social life.

Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, Golega

This is where anyone with a horse can join in, resulting in a marvelous mix of champion stallions performing piaffe on the cobblestones and local kids astride their family ponies.

Spectators line the fence rail, clapping and admiring the procession. The parade isn’t an official competition, but rather a cherished tradition that lets riders “see and be seen”. It’s a living showcase of Lusitano's grace and the camaraderie of the horse community.

Even well past sunset, the parade continues under floodlights – a surreal scene of horses and riders silhouetted against food stall lights and bonfires.

Equestrian Competitions

The fair features a full slate of formal competitions spanning multiple disciplines. There are dressage tests (from young horse classes up to higher-level freestyle routines), show jumping classes, and even eventing or combined training demonstrations.

A highlight is the Campeonato Nacional de Atrelagem (National Carriage Driving Championship), where teams of Lusitanos hitched to carriages navigate obstacle courses at speed.

The precision and splendor of polished carriage teams always draw a crowd. Working equitation contests are also held, reflecting the Lusitano’s farm-work heritage: horse and rider negotiate gates, bridges, and livestock penning tasks, showing off agility and partnership.

In recent years, endurance rides (long-distance races) and mounted games have been added to the program. Each competition not only provides entertainment but also underscores the versatility of the Lusitano. By day’s end, the fair awards numerous trophies and ribbons, from Best Lusitano Stallion to show jumping medals, celebrating accomplishments both big and small.

Lusitano Breed Shows and Championships

As the premier Lusitano showcase, Golegã hosts conformation classes where judges evaluate horses on pedigree and physical excellence.

The Lusitano International Championship typically occurs during the fair, bringing top breeders to compete for gold medals. Mares, stallions, and young horses are presented in hand, trotting and posing in front of panels of experts.

The culminating honor is often the “Champion of Champions” or Grande Campeonato title, which crowns the most outstanding Lusitano of the fair. Winning at Golegã can greatly increase a horse’s prestige. These breed exhibitions are a pageant of equine beauty – one can see row after row of groomed gray, bay, or buckskin Lusitanos, their manes neatly braided, representing the best bloodlines in Portugal and beyond.

For spectators, it’s a chance to learn about the breed’s standards and see legendary studs up close. Announcers often share historical anecdotes of each lineage, enriching the appreciation of Lusitano heritage.

Classical Equestrian Performances

When night falls, Golegã truly comes alive with spectacular equestrian shows. Several evenings during the fair feature gala performances that highlight the artistry of horses and riders.

The Portuguese School of Equestrian Art (Escola Portuguesa de Arte Equestre), Portugal’s equivalent of Vienna’s Spanish Riding School, often performs with its impeccably trained Alter Real Lusitano stallions.

Dressed in 18th-century court costumes, riders demonstrate high-school dressage maneuvers – from levades (rearing) to intricate quadrille routines – to the delight of the audience.

PSEA riders dressed in their 18th-century court costumes

Another crowd favorite is the show by Mestre Luís Valença and his troupe (famed for the touring Appassionata show), who incorporate lights, music, and choreography, blending equestrian skill with theatrical flair.

These night shows, often set in the manga or a floodlit arena, feel almost magical. The sight of a line of Lusitanos performing synchronized steps or a single horse executing a perfect capriole (leap) under the stars is an unforgettable experience that captures the soul of classical riding.

Cultural Festivities and Fairground Attractions

While horses take center stage, the Golegã fair is equally a cultural festival. Around the edges of the horse arenas, a traditional Portuguese feira (fair) unfolds.

Dozens of stalls sell local food, crafts, and equestrian equipment. Gastronomy is a highlight – visitors feast on grilled meats, bifanas (pork sandwiches), and the seasonal specialty of roasted chestnuts. In fact, because the fair coincides with St. Martin’s Day (November 11th), there is a saying in Portugal that “É verão de São Martinho – prova o vinho!” (“It’s St. Martin’s summer – taste the wine!”).

True to that, attendees drink água-pé (a young wine) or jeropiga (a sweet liqueur) as they enjoy the crisp autumn air. Music fills the streets: you might encounter the haunting strains of Fado singers on one corner, and a lively folk dance group on another.

Impromptu guitar jams and accordion music carry on into the night, mixing with the sound of trotting hooves. There are also art exhibitions (often showcasing equine paintings and photography) and even book launches for the latest literature on Lusitanos or riding.

For children, the fair offers fun too – small carousels, pony rides, and toy stalls (one might pick up a plush Lusitano or a wooden hobby horse as a souvenir). The entire fairground is illuminated by decorative lights and the glow of bonfires, lending a warm ambiance to the chilly November nights.

The Spirit of Saint Martin’s Day

The Feast of Saint Martin (Dia de São Martinho) on November 11 is the pinnacle of the fair’s traditions. On this day, Golegã blends religious custom with equestrian celebration. In the morning, many locals attend a mass at the historic church, blessing the event. Come afternoon, the festivities hit their peak.

It’s a day for family reunions, and many Portuguese make the trip specifically for Saint Martin’s Day at Golegã, where they enjoy the customary roasted chestnuts and new wine that mark the holiday.

Often, there is a special Saint Martin’s parade featuring Campinos in their distinctive garb, alongside decorated carriages and riders carrying flags. As night falls, fireworks sometimes light up the sky to honor the saint and the success of the fair.

The saying goes that St. Martin’s Day brings a little sunny weather in autumn – the so-called “St. Martin’s summer” – and indeed many fairs have enjoyed mild weather which adds to the joy of outdoor celebrations.

For many, this blending of religious festivity with horse culture encapsulates the spirit of Golegã: it is a fair about faith, tradition, and the enduring bond between the Portuguese people and their horses.

A Town Taken Over by Horses

One particularly charming (and almost unbelievable) tradition at Golegã is the way horses intermingle with daily life during the fair. It’s said that in some of the makeshift taverns and tents, you can order a drink on horseback – quite literally riding up to the bar.

Did you know: Enterprising tavern owners design their setups so that riders can remain mounted while enjoying refreshments,

It’s not unusual to see ten riders lined abreast inside a large tent bar, their horses calmly standing nose-to-tail, while the riders clink glasses of port wine or beer. This surreal sight exemplifies how deeply horses are woven into the social fabric of the event.

The ethos of Golegã is that horses are welcome everywhere: you’ll see them peek their heads into shop doors and even hotel lobbies. The local police patrol on horseback as well, ensuring order amid the pleasant chaos of humans and animals.

Long-time attendees note that you have to watch your step not to accidentally bump into a horse when turning a street corner!

For newcomers, this level of human-horse integration is astonishing and delightful – it truly feels like a town taken over by horses in the most harmonious way.

Why You Should Visit

There are horse fairs… and then there’s Golegã.

This isn’t just a weekend of watching horses go in circles. It’s ten days of full-on immersion into Portuguese horse culture at its most passionate, traditional, and delightfully chaotic.

You’ll see Lusitanos dancing in the streets, riders clinking glasses on horseback (yes, really), and parades that roll on well after sunset under strings of lights and the scent of roasting chestnuts. It’s part horse show, part folk festival, part time machine.

Whether you're a serious rider, a breed buff, or just someone who likes their wine served alongside a piaffe, Golegã is the kind of experience that sticks with you.

It’s not polished or posh—it’s real, it’s raw, and it’s ridiculously fun. Come for the horses, stay for the vinho, and leave with a heart full of stories (and probably a few bits of hay in your pockets).