Batailles de Reines - Châtillon-Pontey Eliminatory

A Tradition That Is Aosta Valley Identity

The Batailles de Reines (Battles of the Queens) are much more than a simple event: they represent one of the most deeply rooted and identity-defining traditions of the Aosta Valley. The protagonists are the Aosta Valley breed cows, animals with a lively and combative temperament that, in a completely natural and non-violent way, challenge each other by pushing with their horns to establish the hierarchy within the herd. The cow that prevails is crowned Reine (queen).

The Châtillon-Pontey Eliminatory

The Châtillon-Pontey eliminatory is one of the stages of the great Regional Competition of the Batailles de Reines, organized by the Association Régionale Amis des Batailles de Reines. It is jointly curated by the two Municipalities of Châtillon and Pontey (Province of Aosta), which have been collaborating for years to host this autumn event. The winning cows of each category qualify for the regional final, which is usually held at the end of October at the Croix Noire in Aosta.

How a Day of Competition Unfolds

The day follows a tried-and-tested ritual: in the morning, the animals are weighed, divided into categories according to their weight, and then throughout the day, the fights for each category take place. Around the arena, in addition to the audience of enthusiasts, there are gastronomic stands and typical products, making each eliminatory a true popular festival. The Batailles de Reines are a unique opportunity to discover the alpine and rural culture of the Aosta Valley.