Here’s a small guide to understanding the unspoken rules, local lingo, and soulful charm of Portugal’s most iconic horse celebration.
Master these phrases to navigate Golegã like a pro (or at least not like a lost tourist):
Are you enjoying it?
Está a gostar?
(esh-TAH ah goh-SHTAHR) –
It’s really beautiful!
É mesmo bonito!
(eh MEHZH-moo boo-NEE-too) –
Shall we go to the party?
Vamos à festa?
(VAH-moosh ah FESH-tah?)
Cheers!
Saúde!
(sah-OOD)
💡 Culture Tip: Golegã’s fair isn’t about standing on the sidelines. Join the locals around bonfires, clink glasses, and dance next to horses under the stars. It’s all about sharing joy—even with strangers.
Where's the ATM?
Onde fica o multibanco?
(ON-deh FEE-kah oo mool-chee-BAHN-koo)
Where’s the bathroom?
Onde fica a casa de banho?
(ON-deh FEE-kah ah KAH-zah deh BAH-nyoo)
I need directions
Preciso de direções
(preh-SEE-zoo deh dee-reh-SOINS)
How can I get to the train station?
Como posso chegar à estação de comboios?
(COH-moo POS-soo sheh-GAHR ah esh-tah-SOWN deh coh-MBOY-oosh?)
Is there a taxi stand nearby?
Há um ponto de táxi por aqui?
(Ah oong PON-too deh TAHK-see poor ah-KEE?)
💡 Culture Tip: Don’t expect Uber to work like magic here—taxis and local rides are king during fair week. If you're lost, just ask. Portuguese hospitality is legendary. Bonus points if you try asking in Portuguese!
The menu, please.
O menu, por favor.
(oo meh-NOO, poor fah-VOHR)
What do you recommend?
O que recomenda?
(oo keh heh-coh-MEN-dah?)
The bill, please.
A conta, por favor.
(ah CON-tah, poor fah-VOHR)
Do you accept card payments?
Aceita cartão?
(ah-SAY-tah kar-TOWN?)
A beer, please.
Uma cerveja, por favor.
(OO-mah sehr-VAY-zhah, poor fah-VOHR)
💡 Culture Tip: You’ll often be served a small plate of olives or cheese with your drink—don’t assume it’s free (though it’s worth it). Always carry a bit of cash, just in case.
How much does it cost?
Quanto custa?
(KWAN-too COOS-tah?)
Do you have a bigger/smaller size?
Tem um tamanho maior/menor?
(TENG oong tah-MAI-nyoo my-OR / meh-NOR?)
Can I try it on?
Posso experimentar?
(POS-soo esh-preh-men-TAHR?)
Can you give a discount?
Pode fazer um desconto?
(POH-deh fah-ZAIR oong desh-CON-too?)
💡 Culture Tip: Bargaining isn’t expected in shops, but at outdoor stalls or local artisans' booths, it’s okay to politely ask for a little discount—just do it with a smile!
I need help
Preciso de ajuda
(preh-SEE-zoo deh ah-ZHOO-dah)
I'm lost
Perdi-me
(pehr-DEE-meh) –
Is there a pharmacy nearby?
Há uma farmácia perto daqui?
(Ah OO-mah fahr-MAH-syah PEHR-too dah-KEE?)
💡 Culture Tip: Pharmacies in Portugal are incredibly helpful—even for small ailments or over-the-counter advice. Don’t be shy about walking in and asking questions. And yes, they do speak some English!
Even if you sound like your mouth is full of custard tarts, the locals will love the effort. Speak boldly, laugh it off, and let the Portuguese magic do the rest.