National Fair of His Majesty the Fat Ox and Boiled Meat Festival

A centuries-old tradition in the heart of Monferrato

The National Fair of His Majesty the Fat Ox and Boiled Meat Festival is one of the oldest and most prestigious livestock events in Piedmont. Its roots date back to the first half of the 17th century, and every December, the village of Moncalvo—one of the most characteristic towns in the Province of Asti, in the heart of Monferrato—transforms into the capital of the Piedmontese cattle breed. With nearly four hundred editions behind it, the fair is a landmark for breeders, restaurateurs, and food lovers from all over Italy.

His Majesty the Fat Ox

The absolute star of the event is the Piedmontese breed fat ox, a recognized excellence of Monferrato farming. Under the Antichi Portici of Moncalvo, breeders display their finest specimens, massive animals weighing over a thousand kilograms. A jury evaluates the cattle and proclaims the campionissimo (champion of champions), who is awarded the prestigious Gran Premio Città di Moncalvo. Highlights include the traditional "weight guessing" contest, the awards ceremony, and the parade of the winning cattle through the historic center.

The Boiled Meat Festival

The fair is paired with the Piedmontese Boiled Meat Festival, the true gastronomic heart of the event. The boiled fat ox meat is served at food stalls set up by the local Pro Loco, accompanied by classic green and red sauces. For several days, local restaurants also offer special menus dedicated to the various cuts of Piedmontese beef.

An event spread throughout the village

The event spans several days and involves the entire center of Moncalvo:

• Piazza Carlo Alberto: the heart of the agricultural and livestock fair
• Piazza Garibaldi: gourmet market and bollito tasting point
• Antichi Portici: cattle exhibition, antique market, and award ceremonies

Alongside the fair, the program includes the Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day & More, featuring masterclasses and showcooking, guided tours of stables, wineries, olive groves, and the Civic Museum, as well as Educational Farm activities for local schools.

Why visit

The Fat Ox Fair of Moncalvo is much more than an agricultural fair: it is a journey into the rural traditions of Piedmont, an opportunity to discover an excellent product like Piedmontese beef, and to experience the authentic atmosphere of a Monferrato village, an area recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its vineyard landscapes.