Golegã National Horse Fair 2026: Dates, Program and Visitor Guide

Welcome to the 2026 Feira Nacional do Cavalo in Golegã

Every November, the small Ribatejo town of Golegã turns into the unofficial capital of the Portuguese horse for about ten days. The Feira Nacional do Cavalo (also known as Feira da Golegã or Feira de São Martinho) carries on a tradition of over 300 years, with roots dating back to 1571, when King Sebastião I formally endorsed the local horse trade. In 2026 the fair runs from 6 to 15 November, once again centred around Saint Martin's Day (São Martinho) on 11 November.

Highlights

• Portugal's largest horse fair, centred on the purebred Lusitano horse
• Over 300 years of tradition tied to São Martinho
• Riders, carriages and horses filling the streets of the old town
• Evening riding galas and dressage exhibitions
• Endurance rides and show jumping competitions
• Carriage driving marathon and traditional equestrian contests
• Typical market stalls, roasted chestnuts and Ribatejo cuisine

Program

For ten days, the fairground at Largo do Arneiro and the whole old town of Golegã host a packed program of show jumping, dressage, endurance rides, a national carriage driving championship, and exhibitions on the history of the Lusitano horse. The evening riding galas are a particular highlight, with horse and rider performing elegant routines in the central square; they are widely considered the most photographed moments of the fair. During the day, many visitors and breeders simply ride through the streets, which is one of the fair's defining features, as horses and people share the public space with ease.

Tickets

Access to the fairground and the streets of Golegã is generally free. Separate tickets are sold for individual Hippos Golegã competitions, some evening galas and certain show formats; these are available through the official website and at the box office on site. The full program with exact timings is usually published by the organizers only shortly before the event.

Visitor Tips

• Accommodation in Golegã itself sells out quickly; Santarém (about 30 km away) and Torres Novas (about 15 km away) offer nearby alternatives.
• The weekend around 11 November tends to be the busiest; for a quieter visit, come on a weekday.
• Sturdy footwear is a good idea, as horses are led through the streets throughout the fair.
• Pack warm clothing, as November days in the Ribatejo region can already be cool.
• Traveling by car is most practical; use the signposted parking areas on the edge of town.