Santa Cruz Ethnographic Parade
The 27th edition of the Cortejo Etnográfico recreates the rural culture of the Torres Vedras region, with folk groups, ox carts and working animals parading through the streets of Santa Cruz down to Guincho Beach. The event ends with a traditional communal meal on the beach, open to all visitors.
Every year on August 15th, the village of Santa Cruz in Torres Vedras turns into a living museum with the Cortejo Etnográfico, one of the most anticipated summer cultural events on Portugal's Silver Coast. In 2026, this beloved tradition celebrates its 27th edition, faithfully recreating the customs and daily life of the rural communities that once shaped the Torres Vedras countryside.
The parade kicks off at 10:00 AM and follows two distinct routes through the streets of Santa Cruz's town centre, bringing together five regional folk groups (ranchos folclóricos) who perform traditional music and dance dressed in carefully preserved period costumes. Ox-drawn carts and working animals join the procession, evoking a time when they were essential to rural daily life in the municipality.
What makes this event especially charming is its connection to an old local tradition: the annual trip to the sea made by inland rural populations, accompanied by good wine and regional cuisine. This is why the parade culminates at Praia do Guincho, where all folk groups gather for a joint performance, with a special highlight from the Rancho Folclórico e Etnográfico Flores do Oeste right by the sand.
Afterwards, the community and visitors alike are invited to share a traditional beach meal, in an atmosphere of genuine conviviality, enjoying typical dishes and local wine together. It's a rare opportunity to experience the cultural roots of Torres Vedras up close, away from mass tourism, in an authentic setting of popular celebration.
Admission is free, making it a perfect outing for families and anyone wanting to dive deep into Portuguese traditions. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early in Santa Cruz to catch the start of the parade, then follow the crowd to Praia do Guincho for the festive climax by the sea.
