The decision was approved at the 19th meeting of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, held in Asunción, Paraguay, from 2-7 December 2024.
Equestrian art in Portugal is a combination of functionality and aesthetics. It stands out for the harmony and respect between rider and horse, particularly the way in which the rider communicates with the horse so that it collaborates without the use of force.
It is practised by people of all ages in riding schools and equestrian centres, and is promoted by breeders and livestock handlers, veterinarians and artisans, nationally and internationally.
Important for collective identity, the practice is celebrated during pilgrimages and at fairs and social events, and has the support of the Lusitano Horse Association, the Municipality of Golegã, and Parques de Sintra, Monte da Lua, S.A., which manages the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art. The classification comes as the result of a process initiated in 2015, developed in partnership between these entities and which has been included in the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2021.
This recognition means that Equestrian Art in Portugal is now the 11th Portuguese cultural feature recognised under the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. It joins a varied list of others, including fado, the Mediterranean diet, cante alentejano, the Carnival of Podence, falconry, the festivities of the people of Campo Maior, the manufacture of cowbells, and the making of figurines from Estremoz clay, among others.
For these reasons, history, culture and identity are identified in the Tourism Strategy 2027 (ET27) as one of the main differentiating strategic assets. The material and immaterial World Heritage recognised by UNESCO throughout the territory is included in these assets, as these features reflect intrinsic and distinctive characteristics of the destination. Since they are recognised by tourists internationally and are an integral part of a specific territory or destination, they are inimitable and serve to stimulate demand for authentic activities and experiences.
