Doccio Valsesia Fair

A tradition that tells the story of rural Valsesia

The Doccio Valsesia Fair is the annual event that, since 1994, has closed the autumn agricultural fair season in Valsesia. It takes place on the third Sunday of October in the village of Doccio, within the spacious Gabbio green area in Quarona, in the province of Vercelli, at the entrance to the valley. Organized by the Municipality of Quarona in collaboration with the Doccio Fair Association, it is considered the most important livestock and agricultural event in the Valsesia territory and a benchmark for breeders and shepherds from the Vercelli and Biella areas.

Transhumance and the return from mountain pastures

The fair coincides with the end-of-season transhumance: from early morning, the valley comes alive with the arrival of herds and flocks descending from the high pastures. This is the authentic spirit of the event, which keeps the peasant and pastoral culture of the Piedmontese mountains alive and attracts thousands of visitors, families, and enthusiasts every year.

The Brown Swiss Cattle Show

The heart of the day is the Interprovincial Brown Swiss Cattle Show, featuring cattle from the province of Vercelli and neighboring provinces. The animal parade and the evaluation conducted by experts from ANARB (National Association of Brown Swiss Breeders) are among the most popular highlights, with the public involved in several stages of the judging. Alongside the cattle, there are exhibitions of other breeds, from goats to horses.

Sheepdogs, horses, and the forestry sector

The fair dedicates a specific area to horses, with demonstrations and entertainment, and offers displays featuring sheepdogs, particularly the famous Oropa Shepherd. Significant space is reserved for the forestry sector, with an exhibition of machinery and equipment and the spectacular lumberjack triathlon competitions, where contestants challenge each other in traditional wood-cutting disciplines.

Workshops for children and markets

The Doccio Fair is also a day designed for families. Children can try their hand at manual crafts, cheese making, and apiary activities, or learn wood carving, loom weaving, and the Puncetto Valsesiano, the ancient lace typical of the valley. Along the fair route, there are also craft markets with local products, as well as refreshment areas where you can taste traditional Valsesian specialties.