Batailles de Reines – Saint-Marcel Elimination
A spring stage of the queen cow tournament in Saint-Marcel
About Batailles de Reines
The Batailles de Reines, identity of the Aosta Valley
The Batailles de Reines are the most popular traditional event in the Aosta Valley. They are non-violent contests between cows of the Aosta breed that, by natural instinct, challenge each other head-to-head to assert their supremacy within the herd. The tradition, codified into a regional competition since 1957, marks the entire season with dozens of eliminations scattered throughout the region's municipalities.
The Saint-Marcel elimination
The Municipality of Saint-Marcel, in the Province of Aosta, hosts one of the spring eliminations of the 69th Regional Competition. The cows are divided into categories based on weight and age and face each other in an arena set up for the occasion. The winners of each elimination earn the right to access the Regional Final, scheduled for late October at the Arena Croix-Noire.
A community celebration
More than just a competition, the elimination is a popular festival that draws breeders, families, and enthusiasts. Around the arena, food stalls with typical Aosta Valley products come alive, in an atmosphere that combines competition, farming tradition, and alpine conviviality.
Batailles de Reines — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Regional Competition of the Batailles de Reines, now in its 69th year, begins on March 29 in Pont-Saint-Martin and concludes on October 25 with the Final at the Arena Croix-Noire. The calendar includes fifteen eliminations spread across spring, summer, and autumn: the one in Saint-Marcel takes place on April 6. The winning cows qualify for the final stage of the tournament, a symbol of Aosta Valley farming identity.
Programme Batailles de Reines 2026
Monday, April 6 – Saint-Marcel Elimination
- Batailles de Reines contests between cows of the Aosta breed, divided by weight and age categories
- Winners qualify for the Regional Final on October 25 at the Arena Croix-Noire
- Food stalls with typical Aosta Valley products around the arena
Times and category details will be published by the Association Régionale Amis des Batailles de Reines (amisdesreines.it) closer to the event.
Highlights Batailles de Reines 2026
Prices Batailles de Reines 2026
Practical information — Batailles de Reines
How to get there
Saint-Marcel is located a few kilometers from Aosta, along the SS 26 heading east. Exit the A5 motorway at Nus or Aosta. The nearest train station is Nus.
When
The Saint-Marcel elimination is scheduled for April 6, 2026, as part of the 69th Regional Competition calendar.
Information
Association Régionale Amis des Batailles de Reines – www.amisdesreines.it
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Where does it take place — Batailles de Reines
Saint-Marcel