Golegã: National Horse Fair begins today

Golegã – known as the horse capital of Portugal – sees the beginning of the 36th edition of the National Horse Fair this Friday, in a region steeped in equine culture.

Horse specialists and aficionados are expected to flock to the town of Golegã this weekend, in the heart of the bullfighting region of Ribatejo, 133km north-east of Lisbon, as the renowned National Horse Fair begins this Friday. This celebration of the Lusitano breed will remain open until 13 November.

The yearly fair is known to attract thousands of locals and foreigners interested in Portuguese horse culture. Different breeds are put to the test in several events which bring together breeders from all over the country. Golegã is viewed as the horse capital of the country, with dozens of different puro-sangue, or non-throughbred horses, brought to be sold in the fair. Competitions like jumping and dressages will also be held in the fair.

Originally created to promote the region’s produce in the 18th century, then extended to include the several breeders of Lusitano horses present in the area, the fair is also known today to attract crowds of revellers to celebrate the traditional feast day of St Martin, on 11 November, drinking Jeropiga (a strong sweet liqueur) and eating roast chestnuts.