Batailles de Reines – Saint-Marcel Elimination
Edition 2026 Gastronomy Heritage History

Batailles de Reines – Saint-Marcel Elimination

A spring stage of the queen cow tournament in Saint-Marcel

Saint-Marcel — Valle d'Aosta/Vallée d'Aoste (007) Since 1957
Dates 06 Apr — 06 Apr 2026
Location Saint-Marcel (007)
Prices Free
Status Confirmed

About Batailles de Reines

The Batailles de Reines are the oldest and most cherished zootechnical tradition in the Aosta Valley: non-violent fights between cows of the Aosta breed that challenge each other to establish the herd's hierarchy. Saint-Marcel hosts one of the spring eliminations of the 69th Regional Competition, valid for access to the grand autumn final.

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

On April 6, 2026, Saint-Marcel hosts one of the spring eliminations of the 69th Regional Competition of the Batailles de Reines. Cows of the Aosta breed, divided by category, compete to qualify for the Regional Final at the end of October at the Arena Croix-Noire.

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

A qualifying round of the 69th Regional Competition towards the Final at the Arena Croix-Noire.

Prices Batailles de Reines 2026

Traditional event with free admission. Any food services are payable on site.

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

Contact Batailles de Reines

Tel
+39 366 1675156

Batailles de Reines in brief

Gastronomy Heritage History Folk traditions Folklore Sport Outdoor Valle d'Aosta/Vallée d'Aoste

History of Batailles de Reines