Portugal Holidays - Event

The National Horse Fair in Golegã, known until 1972 as the St Martin's Fair, takes place at the same time as the saint's celebrations. There's a bull run and a parade of red-waistcoated grooms, plus equestrian activities, games, exhibitions and parades.

The festival is divided into different competitions that include dressage, marathon, endurance riding, show jumping, junior gymkhana, horsemanship and dressage, among others. In addition there are traditional parades of riders and carriages, and the Portuguese Traditional Riding School Show.

Culinary treats include roasted chestnuts and barbecued chicken, washed down with a local wine appealingly known as "foot water" (agua-pé). It's made by adding water to the crushed remains of the grape husks at the bottom of the barrel. It might not sound very appealing, but in Golegã it's a surprisingly popular tipple.