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.

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First Published: Nov 19, 2005