Batailles de Reines - Jovençan Elimination

A defining tradition of the Aosta Valley

The Batailles de Reines (Battles of the Queens) are more than just an event: they represent a piece of the Aosta Valley's identity. They are non-violent contests between cows of the Aosta Valley breed that, naturally and without any coercion, face each other by pushing with their horns to establish who will lead the herd, just as happens on the mountain pastures during the transhumance. The cow that retreats is eliminated; the one that remains in the ring wins the title of Reine, queen.

The Jovençan Elimination

The Jovençan arena, a small municipality on the hill just outside Aosta, hosts one of the spring eliminations of the Regional Batailles de Reines Competition. The cows, divided into three categories based on weight, compete throughout the day before a large and passionate audience. The winners of each category earn a spot in the regional final held every autumn in Aosta.

Celebration, Culture, and Gastronomy

In addition to the competitions, the Jovençan elimination is a festive occasion for the entire community: food stalls with typical Aosta Valley products, social gatherings, and the opportunity to discover the world of mountain farming up close. An event that combines traditional sport, farming culture, and social interaction in the heart of the Valley.

The Regional Competition

The Jovençan elimination is part of the Regional Competition organized by the Association Régionale Amis des Batailles de Reines, which each year marks the calendar of competitions in spring, summer, and autumn, leading up to the grand finale in the Aosta arena. An event that involves dozens of committees and hundreds of breeders throughout the region.