A day dedicated to livestock farming and transhumance in the heart of the Biellese Alps
The Brughiera Livestock Fair is an annual spring event that brings the world of farming and pastoral traditions back to the heart of the Biellese Alps. It takes place in Valdilana, in the province of Biella (Piedmont), within the picturesque Brughiera hamlet. Set at the foot of the renowned Sanctuary of the Madonna della Brughiera, the location is surrounded by meadows and forests that have been home to shepherds and transhumance routes for centuries.
The heart of the event is the livestock exhibition: more than ten local breeders showcase over a hundred animals, giving visitors the chance to see local farming operations up close and appreciate the daily work of those who keep the pastoral tradition alive in the Biella valleys. It is a unique opportunity for the public to connect with industry professionals, as well as a fun day out for families and children, who are always drawn to the animals and the authentic countryside atmosphere.
Alongside the exhibition, the day features a local farmers' market showcasing regional excellence, as well as a dining area with food trucks and local culinary specialties. Visitors can also explore two iconic landmarks of Valdilana, both open to the public: the Transhumance Ecomuseum, located in the Barbato hamlet to preserve the memory of ancient shepherd practices, and the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Brughiera, featuring its 16th-century Old Church and the 17th-century Baroque Great Church.
The fair is promoted by the Municipality of Valdilana in collaboration with the Amici del Santuario della Brughiera and Santa Lucia di Barbato associations. To facilitate access to the hamlet, the Valdilana Tourist Office organizes a free shuttle service throughout the day, available upon reservation. It is an unmissable event for anyone wishing to experience the farming traditions and pastoral culture of the Biella region in a stunning natural setting.
The 2026 edition was held on Saturday, May 2, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, in the Brughiera hamlet of Valdilana, focusing on the theme "Breeding Traditions." The event confirmed its successful formula, highlighting the deep bond between the local area and the pastoral world of the Biella region.
The day's highlights included over ten breeders presenting more than a hundred animals, alongside a local farmers' market featuring regional delicacies and a dining area with food trucks and gastronomic specialties. For the occasion, the Transhumance Ecomuseum in the Barbato hamlet and the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Brughiera were open to the public throughout the day.
Frazione Brughiera, Valdilana (BI), Piedmont. The event takes place in the area of the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Brughiera; the Transhumance Ecomuseum is located in the nearby Barbato hamlet.
Valdilana is easily accessible by car from the main roads of the Biella area. For the day of the fair, the Valdilana Tourist Office provides a free round-trip shuttle service throughout the day, available upon reservation.
Free entry to the fair area; the Transhumance Ecomuseum and the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Brughiera are open to the public.
Municipality of Valdilana and Valdilana Tourist Office (also for shuttle reservations).
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Frazione Brughiera (Santuario della Madonna della Brughiera)