Graglia Spring Fair

The spring rural festival in Graglia

The Graglia Spring Fair is one of the most deeply rooted and anticipated events in the Elvo Valley, located in the municipality of Graglia, in the province of Biella (Piedmont). Organized by the Pro Loco of Graglia, the event takes place in the spacious festival grounds of Regione Campra and marks the arrival of the warmer season each year. For three days, the mountain village comes alive with farmers, lumberjacks, families, and visitors coming up from the Biellese plains to reconnect with mountain traditions.

The livestock exhibition, the heart of the fair

The most anticipated moment is the livestock exhibition, a grand display of cattle, sheep, and goats that local farmers bring to the fair before heading to the summer mountain pastures. Now in its many editions, the event is also an opportunity to award local breeders and showcase the region's agricultural businesses. Curious onlookers and enthusiasts gather around the pens, in an atmosphere that keeps the bond between Graglia and its pastoral heritage alive.

The Gara dij Buscarin and the forestry fair

Among the most spectacular events is the Gara dij Buscarin, a challenge where lumberjacks test their wood-cutting skills and professional expertise before a large audience. Alongside the competition, the forestry equipment exhibition showcases machinery and tools of the trade, reflecting the area's strong woodland identity. There are also craft markets, exhibitor stands, and games for children, making the fair a celebration for all ages.

Traditional gastronomy

The food and wine offering is one of the main attractions: signature dishes include busecca (tripe soup) and polenta concia (cheesy polenta), served during the main Sunday event, alongside cured meats, cheeses, and local specialties. Friday and Saturday evenings are dedicated to socializing, with themed dinners, music, and entertainment: from casual pizza nights to welcoming the Alpini with traditional Piedmontese choirs.

A tradition of the Elvo Valley

More than just a fair, the Graglia event is a celebration of identity that weaves together agriculture, forestry, and folk cuisine. For visitors, it is the ideal opportunity to discover the authenticity of the Biellese mountains, just a few kilometers from the famous Sanctuary of Graglia, in a corner of Piedmont where rural traditions are still very much alive and cherished.