Romaria a Cavalo Moita Viana do Alentejo : Horseback Pilgrimage, Program and Route

Welcome to the Romaria a Cavalo Moita Viana do Alentejo

Every April, part of the Alentejo turns into a moving pilgrimage route. During the Romaria a Cavalo, hundreds of riders and horse drawn carts travel for five days from the town of Moita to the Santuário de Nossa Senhora d'Aires in Viana do Alentejo. The tradition dates back to a time when farmers from Moita rode with their animals to the sanctuary to ask for protection and a good harvest; after more than seventy years without the event, the custom was revived in 2001.

Highlights

• Five day ride covering around 150 kilometers of rural dirt roads
• Start at the church of Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem in Moita
• Route passing through Poceirão, Casebres and Alcáçovas
• Around 500 riders and pilgrims in traditional Alentejo dress
• Arrival and solemn procession at the Santuário de Nossa Senhora d'Aires
• Music, dance performances and folk gatherings along the stage towns
• Closing mass in honor of the patron saint of Viana do Alentejo

Program

The procession begins with the blessing of the image of Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem in Moita; this image accompanies the pilgrims for the entire route. Over five riding days, the route crosses several Alentejo municipalities, including Alcáçovas, where a concert traditionally marks the end of that stage. On the final day, the riders, escorted by the mounted unit of the GNR (Portuguese national guard), reach Viana do Alentejo in the afternoon. A festive welcome awaits them, including a mass at the Santuário de Nossa Senhora d'Aires followed by a procession through the town. Music, folk dance groups and concerts fill the evenings in Viana do Alentejo late into the night, and a joint mass the following morning officially closes the Romaria.

Tickets

Watching along the route and joining the celebrations in Viana do Alentejo is free for spectators. Anyone wishing to take part as a rider or with a cart must register in advance; the entry fee was most recently 60 euros per horse for early registration, rising to 90 euros for later, in person registration. Requirements include a valid horse passport as well as civil liability and personal accident insurance.

Visitor Tips

• The arrival in Viana do Alentejo on the final day is the most emotional moment; arrive early to get a good spot at Largo de São Luís.
• To follow the route, spectators can watch at several stage towns such as Alcáçovas.
• Bring sturdy shoes and sun protection, as most of the celebrations take place outdoors.
• Book accommodation in and around Viana do Alentejo well in advance, as the region is small.
• Respectful behavior toward horses and riders is expected, especially in narrow village streets.