Santo António Festival in Terrugem 2026
From 7 to 10 August, the village of Terrugem, in the municipality of Elvas, celebrates four days of festivities in honour of Santo António. Bull runs, a traditional street fair, live music with Vira Milho and Banda Karisma, comedy by João Caçoilas and fireworks light up this Alentejo village.
The Festas em Honra de Santo António da Terrugem are one of the summer highlights in the municipality of Elvas. From 7 to 10 August 2026, the village of Terrugem fills with visitors from across the Alto Alentejo — and neighbouring Spain — for four days of tradition, music, popular bullfighting and street celebration.
The festival opens on Friday 7 August at 6pm with cannon salutes, a parade by the Charanga das Fresquinhas band and the presentation of the festival banner. The first bull run follows, along with a night of music featuring Roncas de Elvas, Banda Karisma, the group Vem Pó Baile and DJ Cuba into the early hours.
On Saturday 8 August, the day begins with the traditional alvorada, a dawn parade through the village streets. In the evening there is another bull run and, on the Popular Stage, performances by Vira Milho and the band Corda Bamba, with the bull racing starting around 10pm.
Sunday 9 August is the most solemn day: mass and a procession in honour of Santo António wind through the village, followed by the traditional largada à vara larga. In the evening, comedian João Caçoilas takes the Popular Stage and the night ends with a fireworks display.
The closing day, Monday 10 August, features one last bull run with a raffle and live music late into the night.
Throughout the four days there is a fair, food and drink stalls serving Alentejo specialities, traditional games and children's entertainment. Entry to the festival grounds is free — you only pay for what you eat and drink.
The event is organised by the Comissão de Festas em Honra de Santo António da Terrugem, keeping alive one of the region's best-attended village festivals. For visitors to Elvas — a UNESCO World Heritage city — Terrugem lies about 15 kilometres away and offers a great chance to experience the most authentic side of the Alentejo, well off the usual tourist trail. Arrive in the late afternoon, have dinner on site and stay for the dancing, which runs until dawn.
