Weekend Getaways for Expats in Portugal

As we are experiencing such good weather and a mild autumn there is nothing better than an outing to the country. There are various options available to enable one to experience the 'perfume of the north', in Valpacos it is the chestnut festival, nearer the centre in Golega the Horse festival and in Torres Vedras the town festival which is a pretext for much enjoyment.

As a homage to the noble Lusitano horse, our choice is the festival in Golega originating from the eighteenth century also called the Festival of St Martin, (Sao Martinho) and the national festival of the horse. This event is regarded as one of the most important traditions and festivals of Portugal.

Really three festivals take place in Golega at this time of year, the National Horse Festival, National Lusitano Horse Festival and the Festival of Sao Martinho. Because of this many breeders are present for the sale and purchase of the best pure-bred Lusitano horses in the country.

Golega Horse Fair has taken place in the small agricultural town of Golega since the eighteenth century. Approximately one and half hour's drive from Lisbon, the Fair is a 5 day 24 hour spectacle of the Lusitano horse - breed classes for 3 year old colts and 4 year old stallions, dressage classes, driving, the finals of the national horse championships for Working Equitation, Portuguese equitation classes and much more. There are also evening displays by the Portuguese School of Equesterian Art and by Luis Valenca's Equestrian Centre of Leziria Grande.

This year between 4 and 13 November, the organizers are counting on 1 million visitors, promoting the 30th National Horse Festival to being the most important of it's kind in Europe. All attention will be centred on the main ring where displays will be given to show the elegance and dexterity of the horses.

Around the Arneiro Square known as the Rossio, studfarms, exhibitors, various equestrian stores, restaurants, bars and coffee shops are to be found. A large program is offered, including competitions, horse trials, seminars, exhibitions and auctions.

Another big attraction is the local Gastronomic Festival, which takes place with pomp and circumstance, as well as other delicacies, such as chestnuts and agua-pe (new wine) "abafadinho" and "pampilho" a dessert based on a cream of eggs and cinnamon, are to be found.

Take the opportunity to reserve one of the guest houses to be found in 'Turismo de Habitacao', such as Solares de Portugal, Manor and Stately Houses, Country Estates and Farms, Cottage and rustic houses in the area of Golega.

CASA DA AZINHAGA

A manor house from the 18th century, belonging to the Marques of Rio Maior. Although it was remodelled in the last century it retains the traditional character and welcome of the great houses of the Ribatejo. Nearby, the Boquilobo Nature Reserve has noteworthy fauna and flora. Rua da Misericordia, 26 Azinhaga, 2150-021 Golega.
Telephone: 00351 249 957 146
Fax: 00351 249 957 182

Located deep in the Ribatejo region, 31 km north of Santarem, Golega is a small agricultural town most famous for the annual horse fair held for two weeks each November, the largest of its kind in Portugal. Bustling with breeders, equestrians and a wide selection of Portugal's finest horses, the fair offers a fascinating view of traditional country life, while a parallel market offers the chance to buy the locl wine and authentic garments worn by the renowned Ribatejo horsemen.

What to see: The 16th century parish church in the centre of the town has a peaceful interior and an impressive Manueline portal. Nearby a museum celebrates the life of Carlos Relvas (1838-94), on of Portugal's best-known photographers. Another mueum housed in an old post office has a fine collection of modern art.

Nearby, 20 kms south of Golega lies Alpiarca, a pleasant town noted for the Patudos House Museum, which contains the personal collection of Josee Relvas (1858-1929, a former diplomat and politician... works include paintings by Leanardo da Vinci, Delacroix, Zurbaran and Albrecht Durer.