The Benavente Fair opened its doors on September 4, at the Riverside Zone, returning to its agricultural roots after approximately three centuries of history. The Benavente Municipal Council, led by Sónia Ferreira, has made strengthening the agricultural component of the event its main priority, which this year includes for the first time an exhibition of agricultural machinery and equipment from regional companies, some from the municipality itself and others linked to local farmers.
The mayor of Benavente, Sónia Ferreira, highlighted that the goal is to grow the fair in this agricultural direction, while maintaining the popular and associative component. The event also features the traditional food stalls of local associations, which serve meals throughout the week, Ribatejo gastronomy, handicrafts, equestrian activities with horse riding baptisms, bullfighting demonstrations and bullfighting schools.
The musical programme includes performances by Romana, Syro and Maninho, as well as dance, fado, folklore, traditional songs and a night dedicated to the 1980s, with participation from the municipality's philharmonic bands. The musical entertainment aims to boost the food stalls and attract more visitors to the fairground.
The event continues until Sunday, September 13, when the Caminhada Mais Lezíria walk will also take place, with a route of approximately eight kilometres departing from the Riverside Zone. Sónia Ferreira invited visitors to enjoy these ten days of fair, highlighting the entertainment, good food and fun available throughout the week.
