National Fat Ox Fair
The grand livestock and gastronomic exhibition in Carrù, in the heart of Piedmont
About Fat Ox Fair
A tradition rooted in 1473
The National Fat Ox Fair is much more than an event: it is the soul of Carrù, a town in the Province of Cuneo, Piedmont. Its origins date back to cattle markets documented as early as 1473, but it has taken its modern form since 1910, becoming an unmissable fixture in the Piedmontese calendar, traditionally held on the second Thursday before Christmas. Today, it is considered the most important national exhibition dedicated to the Piedmontese breed fat ox, a heritage that attracts breeders, food lovers, and curious visitors from all over Italy.
The livestock exhibition: the heart of the fair
The highlight takes place at dawn, when the Foro Boario in Piazza Mercato comes alive with the parade of Piedmontese breed oxen, steers, and slaughter calves. The animals, raised with care for many months, are judged by experts and divided into categories. The show ring hosts the awarding of prizes to breeders, culminating in the prestigious Golden Ox award and the crowning of the King of the Fair, the most impressive and well-prepared specimen.
The World Auction and the Non-Stop Bollito
Among the most anticipated events is the World Fat Ox Auction, where the best animals are sold before an audience of industry professionals and enthusiasts. But the true popular star is the Non-Stop Bollito: born in 1997 under the market's wing, it serves authentic Piedmontese mixed boiled meats continuously, prepared with about 600 kg of meat. The dish combines the traditional seven cuts and seven side dishes, accompanied by the famous 'bagnet vert' and 'bagnet ross' sauces.
Market, flavors, and atmosphere
Throughout the day, the streets of Carrù's historic center host a large market of local typical products, handicrafts, and food and wine specialties from the Langhe and Monregalese areas. Between tastings, visitors can meet breeders, producers, and artisans, breathing in the authenticity of a festival that is also a tribute to the Piedmontese breed and local cuisine.
- Livestock exhibition of Piedmontese breed oxen
- World Fat Ox Auction
- Golden Ox Award and election of the King of the Fair
- Piedmontese mixed boiled meats served non-stop
- Market of local products in the historic center
Fat Ox Fair — edition 2026
The 116th National Fat Ox Fair will be held on Thursday, December 17, 2026, in Carrù, in the Province of Cuneo. The date confirms the tradition of holding the fair on the second Thursday before Christmas.
The edition will feature the historic program: the livestock exhibition at dawn in the Foro Boario of Piazza Mercato, the World Fat Ox Auction, the Golden Ox award, the election of the King of the Fair, and the Non-Stop Bollito along with the local products market along the town streets.
Programme Fat Ox Fair 2026
The detailed program with the schedule for the 116th edition will be announced by the Pro Loco of Carrù in the weeks leading up to the event. Based on past editions, the day of Thursday, December 17, 2026, will be roughly structured as follows:
- From dawn (approx. 6:00 AM) — Foro Boario, Piazza Mercato: Livestock exhibition with the parade of Piedmontese breed oxen, steers, and slaughter calves, jury judging, and breeder awards.
- Morning — historic center: Large market of typical products, handicrafts, and food and wine specialties.
- During the day — Piazza Mercato: World Fat Ox Auction with the best animals, Golden Ox award, and election of the King of the Fair.
- All day long: Non-Stop Bollito, with authentic Piedmontese mixed boiled meats served to visitors.
Precise times and side events will be published on the official website fieradelbuegrassodicarru.it. The livestock evaluation and award phases are usually also visible via streaming.
Highlights Fat Ox Fair 2026
- 116th edition of the fair, one of the oldest in Italy
- Livestock exhibition of Piedmontese breed oxen at dawn
- World Fat Ox Auction
- Golden Ox Award and election of the King of the Fair
- Piedmontese mixed boiled meats served non-stop
Prices Fat Ox Fair 2026
Practical information — Fat Ox Fair
How to get there
Carrù is located in the Province of Cuneo, easily accessible by car via the A6 Turin-Savona motorway (Carrù-Mondovì exit) and by train from major Piedmontese cities thanks to the Carrù station.
When
The fair is traditionally held on the second Thursday before Christmas, starting at the first light of dawn.
Costs
Access to the fair and the livestock exhibition is free. For the Non-Stop Bollito and gastronomic tastings, payment is required at the table or at dedicated cash desks.
Tips
Arrive early in the morning to witness the parade and judging in the Foro Boario. Dress warmly: temperatures in Piedmont in mid-December are quite cold.
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Where does it take place — Fat Ox Fair
Foro Boario - Piazza Mercato
Piazza Mercato, 12061 Carrù