The Alta Langa festival featuring mixed boiled meats and a tajarin-eating contest
The Niella Belbo Spring Fair is one of the most cherished events in the Alta Langa, located in the municipality of Niella Belbo, in the province of Cuneo (Piedmont). Every year, at the beginning of June, the town's streets and Market Square fill with stalls, aromas, and joy to celebrate the arrival of the warmer season and authentic Langhe culture. It is a festival that blends tradition with new experiences, attracting visitors from across the region and neighboring provinces.
The gastronomic highlight of the fair is the famous Vero Bollito Misto, served in the Pro Loco hall. This rich, steaming dish features five premium cuts of meat, cooked according to tradition and accompanied by artisanal sauces prepared by local cooks. The meal concludes with a refreshing sorbet. It is the dish that best captures the rustic and convivial identity of these hills.
Among the most entertaining and highly anticipated events is the Tajarin-Eating Contest, a playful challenge where competitors must devour half a kilo of tajarin pasta with sauce in the shortest time possible, strictly without using their hands. Amidst sweat, laughter, and stadium-like cheering, gold, silver, and bronze medals are awarded to the winners. It is a moment of pure popular celebration that brings smiles to both young and old.
Stalls line the town's streets, offering everything from local handicrafts to typical products, allowing visitors to savor the region's excellence. The day is accompanied by music, singing, and live broadcasts from Radio Vallebelbo, while the scenic tourist train offers a chance to explore the village and its hidden corners. In recent years, the program has been enriched with new features, such as the inauguration of new spaces and routes designed for families.
Attending the Spring Fair means experiencing the Alta Langa in its most authentic form: rolling hills, genuine flavors, and a welcoming community. For one day, Niella Belbo, a small village in the province of Cuneo, becomes a meeting point for those who love Piedmontese traditions, fine food, and the genuine atmosphere of the Langhe towns.
The 27th Niella Belbo Spring Fair was held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, confirming the success of this traditional Alta Langa event, organized by the municipal administration led by Mayor Emanuele Sottimano and the Pro Loco chaired by Sabrina Varga.
The heart of the day was the Vero Bollito Misto, served from 10:00 AM in the Pro Loco hall for 20 euros, featuring five premium cuts of meat, artisanal sauces, and a final sorbet. There was also great participation in the 27th Tajarin-Eating Contest, filled with sweat, laughter, and stadium-style cheering. The festival was accompanied by live broadcasts from Radio Vallebelbo, filming by Telecupole with host Sonia De Castelli, the scenic tourist train, and numerous market stalls.
Throughout the day: craft and local product stalls, music and singing with live broadcasts from Radio Vallebelbo, Telecupole filming, and scenic rides on the tourist train.
Niella Belbo is located in the Alta Langa, in the province of Cuneo. By car, it can be reached via the provincial road connecting Murazzano and Bossolasco; the nearest motorway exits are Alba or Ceva (A6 Turin-Savona). Parking is available near the town center.
The fair is traditionally held on June 2nd, coinciding with Republic Day, as a one-day event.
Admission to the fair is free. Lunch featuring the Vero Bollito Misto costs approximately 20 euros per person (subject to availability). Reservations through the Pro Loco are recommended.
For information, you can contact the Niella Belbo Pro Loco (Sabrina +39 328 0388291, Angelica +39 338 4947553) or visit their Facebook and Instagram pages.
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Vie e Piazza del Mercato
Piazza del Mercato, 12050 Niella Belbo