Cocconato Medieval Fair
A journey into the Middle Ages in the hills of the Asti Monferrato
About Medieval Fair
The Medieval Fair: Cocconato returns to the Middle Ages
Nestled in the hills of the Asti Monferrato, the village of Cocconato (province of Asti, Piedmont) hosts its Medieval Fair every September, a historical re-enactment that turns the town center into a grand open-air stage. Cocconato, recognized as one of the most charming villages in the region, provides the perfect backdrop for this journey through time: cobblestone alleys, panoramic views, and intimate squares serve as a natural setting for the festivities.
Markets, ancient crafts, and taverns
During the fair, streets and squares fill with stalls and artisans at work: blacksmiths, weavers, herbalists, and fortune tellers recreate the trades of yesteryear. The various districts of the town set up scenes of daily medieval life, animated by actors and extras playing the roles of beggars, minstrels, and musicians. In the taverns, visitors can enjoy traditional dishes prepared according to ancient medieval recipes, accompanied by local wine, the fruit of a land with a strong winemaking tradition.
Entertainment and atmosphere
The Medieval Fair is more than just a market: the program traditionally includes jesters, falconers with bird-of-prey flight demonstrations, street performers, equestrian shows, and educational activities for all ages. The most solemn moment is the investiture of the Palio Captain, which officially kicks off the countdown to the race.
The link to the Palio degli Asini
The Medieval Fair is closely intertwined with the Palio degli Asini (Donkey Race) of Cocconato, one of the most heartfelt re-enactments in the Monferrato area, which sees the town's historic districts (Airali, Brina, Colline Magre, Moransengo, San Carlo, Torre, and Tuffo) compete against each other. The fair opens the celebration period, building anticipation for the race held the following Sunday. For those visiting the province of Asti, it is the ideal opportunity to discover the popular traditions of the Piedmontese hills, blending history, food, wine, and folklore.
Medieval Fair — edition 2026
For 2026, the Cocconato Medieval Fair is announced for the weekend of September 19-20 by the municipal events calendar. As per tradition, the historic center will host the medieval market with artisans and ancient trades, taverns with dishes inspired by period recipes, and entertainment with jesters, falconers, and scenes of popular life.
The detailed program for the 2026 edition (precise times, shows, and guests) has not yet been published and will be announced by the organizers in the weeks leading up to the event. As every year, the fair anticipates the celebrations of the Palio degli Asini.
Programme Medieval Fair 2026
The detailed program for the 2026 edition has not yet been published. It will be announced by the Municipality of Cocconato and the Pro Loco in the weeks leading up to the event.
Based on recent editions, the fair traditionally includes:
- Medieval market with artisans, blacksmiths, weavers, herbalists, and fortune tellers
- Scenes of daily medieval life set up by the districts, with actors and extras
- Taverns with traditional dishes based on ancient medieval recipes and local wine
- Jester shows, falconry displays, and street entertainment
- Investiture of the Palio Captain
For the final schedule and program, it is recommended to contact the tourist office (tel. +39 0141 600076).
Highlights Medieval Fair 2026
- Medieval market of artisans and ancient trades
- Taverns with dishes inspired by the Middle Ages
- Jesters, falconers, and period life scenes
- Investiture of the Palio Captain
Prices Medieval Fair 2026
Practical information — Medieval Fair
When
The Medieval Fair takes place in September in the historic center of Cocconato, traditionally on the weekend preceding the Palio degli Asini.
Hours
In recent years, the fair has taken place on Saturday starting in the late afternoon (from 6 PM) and on Sunday from the morning (from 10 AM) until the afternoon.
How to get there
Cocconato can be reached by car from the Asti Monferrato motorway exits; the village is about an hour from Turin and Asti. It is recommended to park in the areas outside the center and reach the fair squares on foot.
Contacts
Cocconato Tourist Office: tel. +39 0141 600076 — email [email protected]
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Where does it take place — Medieval Fair
Centro storico di Cocconato
Piazza Cavour, 14023 Cocconato