Discover Soito

Soito offers several points of interest for a trip: the community tradition of the Capeia Arraiana, religious and historical connections, the local landscape, and the short PR4 – Vilares walking route. The details below will help you plan your visit.

The Capeia Arraiana and how it unfolds

The Capeia Arraiana is a community tradition involving the handling of the fighting bull, in which a Forcão is used. The sequence includes the Encerro and the Boi da Prova before the main event, followed by the Desencerro. When the Capeia Arraiana was added to the INPCI in 2011, Soito was one of the eleven villages where it was actively practised.

Another historical example involving bulls and horses is the I Feira do Touro e do Cavalo. It took place from 14 to 16 September 2018 at the Praça de Touros do Soito. The programme included show jumping, a display of Lusitano foals, a demonstration with Forcados and mounted bullfighting, working equitation, and an equestrian performance with a particular focus on the mounted Encerro and the Capeia.

The Festas de São Cristóvão in Soito began in 1964. They were predominantly secular in character and were therefore described as a civil festival.

Chapels and religious connections

The Capela do Espírito Santo is considered possibly the oldest chapel in Soito. Its exterior has undergone the fewest changes from its original architectural design. Another kind of religious trace is the more than 200 wooden crutches left by people in a chapel to give thanks for their healing.

The place name also has a connection to nature: a tree is said to be the origin of the name Soito. Alongside the chapels and religious traditions, this offers an explanation of the place name and a glimpse of the local landscape.

Landscape and local products

Pastureland and cultivated areas shape Soito’s local landscape. Salsicharia is also among the local products associated with the village. Together, these features give an impression of Soito that goes beyond its cultural traditions: the land in use and local production are also part of the character of the place.

A specific starting point for a walk

The short PR4 – Vilares walking route begins on Avenida de São Cristóvão, in the garden next to the health centre. If you are planning a walk, this gives you a named starting point to help you find your way. This route entrance offers a different focus from the village’s cultural traditions and religious sites.

Dates to help plan your trip

The Capeia Arraiana takes place in August alongside the patron saint festival of the respective parish. For a trip centred around this tradition, the specific date of the festival is therefore a useful point of reference. The pilgrimage to Santa Inês, by contrast, takes place every year on 21 January. While the pilgrimage has a fixed annual date, the Capeia is linked to the patron saint festival of the respective parish. If you would like to plan your trip around the Capeia, check the specific festival date in advance.

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