Incontri tra Reines - Piedmont Regional Final

The reines battles arrive in Tavagnasco

Every autumn, the small town of Tavagnasco, in the Metropolitan City of Turin, at the northern edge of the Canavese and just a stone's throw from the Aosta Valley border, hosts one of the most cherished events of the Piedmontese Alpine livestock tradition: the Regional Final of the Incontri tra Reines championship. It is the grand finale of a long season of qualifying rounds held from spring to autumn in local towns, drawing breeders, enthusiasts, and curious visitors from all over Piedmont and the nearby Aosta Valley.

What are the reines?

The reines (queens, in Franco-Provençal patois) are cows of the Valdostana breed—hardy, long-lived animals with a combative spirit, raised freely according to ancient Alpine tradition. In nature, these cows instinctively establish herd hierarchy by head-butting and locking horns, without ever truly harming one another. The event safely replicates this ancestral challenge: two cows at a time face off in the arena, and the match ends when one moves away, leaving the field to the more tenacious rival.

Categories and competition

The cows compete in categories based on age and weight. Alongside the adult cow categories, the championship also includes those for younger animals: manze (fourth category) and manzette (fifth category). A new feature introduced for the 2026 edition is the subdivision of these two categories into "heavy" and "light" versions, based on the animals' weight, to ensure more balanced matches. The winners of each category earn the prestigious title of regional queen.

A bridge between Piedmont and the Aosta Valley

The event is organized by the Associazione Amici delle Reines del Piemonte, chaired by Igor Modina, in collaboration with the Pro Loco of Tavagnasco. The bond with the Aosta Valley, the birthplace of the Bataille de Reines, is deep: many aspiring queens have Valdostana blood, and breeders from both regions have collaborated for years, with the characteristic Valdostana rabatteurs (handlers) present in the arena in Tavagnasco as well.

A village festival

Beyond the arena challenges, the day is a true popular festival: food stalls featuring local specialties, moments of conviviality between breeders and visitors, and the straightforward atmosphere of mountain traditions. Admission is free, and the outdoor event is suitable for the whole family. The championship season then concludes with a traditional celebratory dinner that brings together breeders and enthusiasts.