Fat Calf Fair — Patronal Feast of the Risen Christ

An agricultural tradition spanning nearly a century

The Fat Calf Fair is one of the most cherished events in the calendar of Cherasco, a town in the Roero region of the province of Cuneo, in Piedmont. Reaching its 92nd edition in 2026, the event is deeply rooted in the agricultural and livestock heritage of this corner of the Langhe and Roero, where the breeding of Piedmontese cattle has represented a true excellence for generations.

Historically, between the 16th and 18th centuries, the fair was held from April 22nd to 24th; after the French period, it was renewed and linked to the fifteen days following Easter, coinciding with the Patronal Feast of the Risen Christ. In the past, this date marked the start of the agricultural season, the time when investments were made in anticipation of future harvests.

The livestock exhibition and the fair

The heart of the event is the livestock exhibition, which opens on Sunday morning at 9:00 am in Piazza degli Alpini, featuring displays of cattle, agricultural machinery, and farming equipment. It is an opportunity for breeders, farmers, and visitors to meet and promote the local certified beef supply chain, a symbol of the territory's quality.

The commercial fair simultaneously enlivens the streets of the historic center and the area beyond Porta Narzole, while the funfair is set up in Piazze Lagorio and Salomone for the entire duration of the event.

Workshops for families

In recent years, the fair has paid special attention to families with children, offering free educational workshops dedicated to rural life:

• manual milking and cheese-making workshops curated by the Fattoria Colombero "Il Risveglio";
• the "baptism of the saddle," first equestrian experiences for the little ones;
• agricultural demonstrations and educational activities on the theme of livestock farming.

For the workshops, booking is mandatory by contacting the Municipal Tourist Office.

The Patronal Feast of the Risen Christ

The religious dimension remains central: in the afternoon, around 4:00 pm, the solemn procession of the Risen Christ winds through the streets of Cherasco's historic center, renewing a rite that dates back to the 17th century. It is the most evocative moment of the day, where the community gathers around its patron saint.

Local flavors

The fair is also a gastronomic occasion: local restaurants offer traditional specialties, from Cherasco sausage with Barolo wine to offal dishes, alongside the excellence of Piedmontese beef and, of course, the famous Baci di Cherasco. A journey into the authentic flavors of the Langhe and Roero.