Changing the Guard

The Republican National Guard (GNR – Guarda Nacional Republicana) presents the Solemn Changing of the Guard at the National Palace of Belém on the third Sunday of every month at 11:00 am. Renowned as one of the most impressive military ceremonies of its kind, it is steeped in tradition and symbolism, performed by the military responsible for the permanent security of the President of the Republic’s official residence.

Dating back centuries, the ceremony highlights the formal transfer of responsibility between two Guards protecting the Palace. It features 160 cavalry and 4 infantry soldiers, including the Palace Guards, the Music Band and Fanfare, the Charameleiros horse squad escorting the Santo-e-Senha bearer, and the GNR Charanga.

The ceremony opens with a trumpet fanfare performing the “royal innings.” The outgoing and incoming Guards take their positions in front of the Palace, followed by the “President’s trumpet call” and the playing of the National Anthem. Commanders then meet to exchange greetings and issue orders before the formal Changing of the Guard begins.

Following the one-hour ceremony, the public is invited to Jardim Vieira Portuense to witness the Charanga on horseback, a unique performance featuring musical accompaniment and a carousel of movements—including walking, trotting, and galloping—making it the only horse-mounted Charanga of its kind in the world.

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