Festa do Colete Encarnado (Festival of the Red Waistcoat)

Name: Festa do Colete Encarnado (Festival of the Red Waistcoat)
Start: 2025-07-03
End: 2025-07-05
Location: Vila Franca de Xira

A Summer of Red Waistcoats, Bulls, and Ribatejo Spirit in Vila Franca de Xira

2026/07/02 - 2026/07/04

Every July, the riverside town of Vila Franca de Xira explodes into three days of passion and tradition for the Festa do Colete Encarnado. Sometimes called “Portugal’s answer to Pamplona,” this festival honors the campinos (the iconic cattlemen of the Ribatejo plains) and the region’s deep pride in bulls, horses, and rural life. Locals and visitors alike are swept up in the energy of bull runs, music, parades, and a sea of red waistcoats filling the city squares.

The thunder of hooves on cobblestones, the aroma of grilled sardines, and the sight of thousands in red vests create a festival that immerses all five senses in Portugal’s countryside culture. Whether you crave adrenaline, tradition, or an authentic taste of Portugal, this is a summer highlight not to be missed.

Main Attractions

Bull Runs, Campino Parade, and Nightlife

The festival’s highlight is the “esperas e largadas de toiros”-the bull runs and releases through the city streets. Brave locals and visitors join in, filling the town with excitement and cheers. The Campino Parade features horsemen in traditional attire-red waistcoats, white shirts, green sashes, and black hats-riding through town, along with decorated carriages and social club (tertúlia) processions. The sound of hooves and applause echoes through the streets.

At night, multiple stages host open-air concerts, flamenco and sevillana dance shows, and the famous “Noite da Sardinha Assada” (Grilled Sardine Night), when the smoky aroma of sardines fills the air. From the riverside to the old town, music and laughter last until dawn.

Costumes and Decorations

The festival’s symbol is the “colete encarnado” (red waistcoat). Campinos proudly wear this with white shirts, green sashes, and black hats. The town is decorated with flags, garlands, flowers, and banners, and horses are adorned with traditional tack. The parade of tertúlias and carriages adds a nostalgic touch to the festivities.

Traditional Food and Drink

The food is a major highlight. On Sardine Night, grilled sardines are served on thick bread and eaten by hand, paired with local wine or beer. Other Ribatejo specialties like migas (bread and garlic stew), roast meats, and regional cheeses are also popular. The scent of barbecue and fish, and the lively communal meals, are essential to the festival’s spirit.

Cultural and Historical Background

The Festa do Colete Encarnado began in 1932, founded by José Van-Zeller Pereira Palha to honor the campinos and Ribatejo’s rural workers. Initially, it also raised funds for the local fire brigade, but it soon became a proud symbol of the town’s cattle-herding, horsemanship, and bullfighting culture. Held every first weekend of July, the festival has only paused during wartime and the pandemic.

Each year, the “Pampilho de Honra” (Honor Staff) is awarded to a distinguished campino. For locals, the festival is a cherished time to reunite with friends and family, celebrate their roots, and share their pride with visitors from across Portugal and beyond.

Participant Voices

“As a tourist, I was blown away by the energy and tradition. I danced all night with locals during Sardine Night, and the sight of the campinos on horseback is unforgettable.”

Festival Dates

The Festa do Colete Encarnado is held every year on the first weekend of July in Vila Franca de Xira. Put on a red waistcoat and dive into the passion of Ribatejo!

Media

Information

Name	Festa do Colete Encarnado (Festival of the Red Waistcoat)
Country	Portugal
Area	Vila Franca de Xira
Date	2026/07/02 - 2026/07/04
Link	Official Site Wikipedia