Latest news from the Fiera del Bue Grasso
The ox fair, between summer and winter
A tradition rooted in Piedmontese rural culture
Summer and winter...
In summer, the historic trading of oxen and cattle long took place at the August 12th fair. The Piana district of Montechiaro, served by the railway and the state road, has remained a central hub for livestock activity in the area.
Traditionally, during winter — around the Immaculate Conception holiday on December 8th — the animals destined for local restaurants were sold by local farmers to the village's butcher shops. The December 8th fair was born from this need, and from the will to let the community take part in farming work still carried out at the old pace, with respect for the environment and the animals, as is still possible in our small rural communities.
The custom is an old one: back in the 19th century, farmers from southern Piedmont and the Ligurian hinterland already met in winter, before Christmas, to trade the fattened oxen destined for the holiday table, and the best animals then travelled on to the shows in Moncalvo, Ceva and Carrù. Since 2001 Montechiaro d'Acqui has organised its own winter fair this way, supported over the years by I.M.A., A.R.A.P., COALVI and the Piedmont Region; on May 30th 2023 the municipality joined a formal agreement with Carrù, Moncalvo and Nizza Monferrato to jointly promote Piedmont's four regional fat ox fairs.
- Selected local farmers from the Monferrato area
- Piedmontese cattle raised at the pace of the countryside
- Traditional trading, exhibition and awards
Montechiaro in Piedmont's regional Fat Ox Fair network
On May 30th 2023 the municipality of Montechiaro d'Acqui joined a formal agreement with the municipalities of Carrù, Moncalvo and Nizza Monferrato to jointly promote Piedmont's four regional fat ox fairs: a shared heritage of rural tradition tied to the Piedmontese cattle breed.
Fiera del Bue Grasso di Carrù
The best-known of Piedmont's fat ox fairs, with roots in the 19th century.
Fiera del Bue Grasso di Moncalvo
One of the historic fairs of the Asti Monferrato area.
Fiera del Bue Grasso di Nizza Monferrato
An early-December event at the heart of Monferrato.
Fiera Regionale del Bue Grasso di Montechiaro d'Acqui
Our own fair, the only one in the province of Alessandria, held on December 8th.
The documentary "Vard 'l beu. Una storia del Piemonte. Il Bue Grasso" by Stefano Rogliatti (2019) tells the shared tradition of the four fairs. Watch the documentary
XXV Fair Program
For over twenty years the event has animated the streets of the Piana district and the green Laghetti area, with a livestock show, markets and country traditions.
Want a stall at the market?
The Christmas, food and craft market fills Piazza Europa and the village streets from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. There is no pitch fee. Businesses, hobbyists and craftspeople interested in taking part can contact the organisers mentioning "Fiera 08-12-25", or fill in the online form.
Christmas, food & craft market
Piazza Europa and the village streets, with local food products, Christmas gift ideas and farm produce.
Livestock show
Laghetti area: awards for the categories Bue Grasso della Coscia, Bue Migliorato, Bue Nostrano, and the Super Prize for the heaviest ox.
Lumberjack Triathlon & Tractor rally
Via della Fiera — on-site registration for the tractor rally and the woodsman skill contest.
Holy Mass, Trofeo del Barot & truffle dogs
Mass at the Pieve di S. Anna; Trofeo del Barot on Via della Fiera; truffle-hunting dog competition with the Associazione Tartufai del Monferrato (Laghetti area, find 3 truffles within 3 minutes).
Parade and blessing of tractors & livestock
Parade through the streets of Montechiaro Piana, blessing of the tractors, followed by the blessing of the cattle in the Laghetti area.
Takeaway bollito misto
At the community hall.
Gran Pranzo del Bue Grasso
In the heated community hall, fixed-price menu, table-side carving service. Bookings are not accepted.
XXV Fiera Regionale del Bue Grasso awards
Laghetti exhibition area: awards for the best cattle with cups and ceremonial drapes.
Games for tractor drivers
Pumpkin and firewood-trailer weight-guessing games on Via della Fiera, plus activities for all ages.
Four-wheel Christmas tree
As night falls, the tractor drivers build and light up their "four-wheel Christmas tree".
Tombola del Bue Grasso
Community hall: rich local food prizes for all ages, with 10 kg of bollito as the first prize.
The atmosphere of the day
Traditional music and songs
From morning to afternoon, groups and choirs perform traditional Piedmontese folk music, including "Cui da Ribote", throughout the Piana streets.
Trippa, mulled wine and roasted chestnuts
Traditional tripe served in the early morning; mulled wine (vin brûlé) and roasted chestnuts in the afternoon.
Pony rides
An activity for the little ones, by Scuderia D'Aleramo, running all day long.
Santa Claus in Piazza Europa
A festive moment for families, with Santa Claus arriving under the tree.
Wood carving by Barba Brisiu
When a chainsaw becomes a magic wand: live wood sculptures carved throughout the day. Find out more
Live with Radio Vallebelbo
The whole day will be broadcast live by Radio Vallebelbo National Sanremo, with interviews and live moments.
Bue Grasso lunch at local restaurants
For those who want to enjoy the bollito misto and traditional dishes at the village's restaurants.
Booking directly with the restaurants is recommended.
Sponsors and supporting institutions
The Fiera Regionale del Bue Grasso is made possible every year by the support of public institutions, trade associations and local businesses.
Regione Piemonte
Consiglio Regionale del Piemonte
Comune di Montechiaro d'Acqui
Unione Montana Suol d'Aleramo
A.R.A. Piemonte
COALVI
Banca di Asti
Is your business interested in supporting the Fiera del Bue Grasso or in visibility on our site? Get in touch, we'd be glad to talk:
Everything you need to know
When does the Fiera del Bue Grasso 2026 take place? +
Tuesday, December 8th 2026, alongside the Immaculate Conception holiday, in Montechiaro d'Acqui, Piana district.
Where can I park and find the cattle show? +
The livestock show is held in the Laghetti area, the market along the village streets and Piazza Europa. Parking for cars and tractors is available on Via della Fiera.
Do I need to book the Gran Pranzo del Bue Grasso? +
No, lunch is served at a fixed price and bookings are not accepted. Takeaway bollito misto is also available from 11:00 to 12:00.
Is the fair postponed in bad weather? +
No, the event regularly takes place even in bad weather.
Are there activities for children and families? +
Yes: pony rides, the four-wheel Christmas tree, Santa Claus's arrival in Piazza Europa, and live chainsaw wood-carving by Barba Brisiu.
Contact
Call us, message us on WhatsApp, or email us for any information.
Where
Via ex-Fornace, Montechiaro d'Acqui (AL), Italy — 15010
Farmers
Market stalls
Free pitch fee. Vendors and hobbyists interested in taking part can contact the organisers mentioning "Fiera 08-12-25", or fill in the online form.
Lunch
For information call or message around meal times.
Latest updates from Facebook & Instagram
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Photos and stories from the fair and the Polisportiva
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