Vale do Poço Cross-Border Agricultural Fair
The 22nd edition of the Cross-Border Agricultural Fair returns to the village of Vale do Poço, in the municipality of Mértola, from 11 to 13 September 2026. Three days celebrating farming, livestock and local produce, with live music, an equestrian gala and plenty of regional food.
Every year, in the heart of the Alentejo, the small village of Vale do Poço becomes the stage for one of the region's most emblematic rural gatherings: the Cross-Border Agricultural Fair. In 2026, the event reaches its 22nd edition, taking place from 11 to 13 September, jointly organised by the municipalities of Mértola and Serpa, reinforcing cross-border cooperation between neighbouring territories in Portugal and Spain.
Over three days, the fair brings together producers, livestock breeders, artisans and visitors in a genuinely rural setting. The programme includes the exhibition and sale of local and regional products — from cheese to honey, olive oil and traditional sausages — as well as food stalls (tasquinhas) offering the most authentic flavours of the Alentejo. An animal park lets visitors get close to native breeds of the region, while an agricultural machinery exhibition attracts those interested in farming technology.
Highlights include an equestrian gala showcasing riding skill and tradition, along with traditional games that revive old pastimes for the enjoyment of children and adults alike. In the late afternoon and evening, live music takes over the fairground, with popular dances keeping the celebration going late into the night. The fair also hosts talks and discussions dedicated to the agricultural sector, covering topics such as sustainability, the value of local resources and the future of family farms in the Baixo Alentejo region.
For anyone visiting Mértola in September, this fair offers a unique opportunity to experience the rural authenticity of the Alentejo, away from more conventional tourist routes. It is a free, family-friendly event, perfect for those who want to get close to agricultural traditions, sample quality regional products and feel the genuine sense of community that defines the villages of Portugal's inland Alentejo. Vale do Poço is just a short drive from the town of Mértola, making it easy to combine a visit to the fair with a stroll through the historic centre and medieval castle of the town.
