Cow Fights – Cogne Elimination
The queens challenge each other at the foot of Gran Paradiso
About Cow Fights Cogne
A unique tradition of the Aosta Valley
The Batailles de Reines (battles of the queens) are the most iconic popular event in the Aosta Valley. They stem from the natural instinct of Aosta Valley breed cows, which challenge each other when moving to mountain pastures to establish the herd's hierarchy. From this behaviour, a true regional competition was born in 1958, attracting thousands of enthusiasts.
How the challenge works
The matches take place in a dirt arena: two cows face off, pushing each other with their foreheads and horns, until one retreats. It is not a bloody fight – the animals do not injure each other – but a test of strength and character. The cows are divided into categories based on weight, and the winners of each elimination round qualify for the great regional final.
The Cogne elimination
The elimination round held in Cogne, in the heart of the Gran Paradiso National Park, is one of the autumn stages of the Regional Competition organized by the Association Amis des Batailles de Reines. It is an opportunity to experience an ancient farming tradition up close, in an exceptional alpine setting, among the local public and the valley's breeders.
Cow Fights Cogne — edition 2026
The Cogne elimination of the Batailles de Reines is scheduled for Sunday, September 13, 2026. It is part of the seasonal calendar of the Regional Competition, which in 2026 concludes with the regional final on October 25. In Cogne, Aosta Valley cows, divided by weight categories, compete in front of an audience of enthusiasts and breeders from the valley.
Programme Cow Fights Cogne 2026
Sunday, September 13, 2026
- Weighing of the cows and checks in the morning;
- Start of the wrestling matches in the arena, by weight categories;
- Continuation of the challenges throughout the day until the designation of the category winners.
The precise times for weighing and the start of the competitions are published by the Association Amis des Batailles de Reines on the website www.amisdesreines.it closer to the event. The winners qualify for the regional final.
Highlights Cow Fights Cogne 2026
Prices Cow Fights Cogne 2026
Practical information — Cow Fights Cogne
How to get there
Cogne can be reached by car from Aosta (about 27 km) along the SR47, or by bus from Aosta station.
Information
Complete calendar of elimination rounds and regulations on the website of the Association Amis des Batailles de Reines, www.amisdesreines.it.
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Where does it take place — Cow Fights Cogne
Area gare di Cogne
Cogne, 11012 Cogne