Patronal Feast of Asigliano Vercellese — Oxen Race
The historic votive race to Saint Victor, the heart of Asigliano's tradition for nearly six centuries
About Oxen Race
A tradition spanning nearly six centuries
In Asigliano Vercellese, a small town in the province of Vercelli immersed in the rice fields of Piedmont, one of the most ancient and identity-defining traditions of the entire region comes to life every May: the Oxen Race. Its origins date back to 1436, when—according to local legend—the town was freed from a terrible plague epidemic thanks to the intercession of Saint Victor, the patron saint of Asigliano. Since then, the community has renewed its vow to the saint every year, and in 2026 it celebrates its 590th edition: a record of continuity that few events in Italy can boast.
From votive cart to folk race
Originally, oxen were used to transport votive offerings to the patron saint as a sign of gratitude. Over the centuries, that devotional gesture transformed into a true competition with deep folkloric significance, without losing its connection to faith. Even today, the race remains the symbol of Asigliano's identity and a spectacular, emotionally charged moment that attracts visitors from all over the province of Vercelli and beyond.
How the festival unfolds
The Patronal Feast is spread over six days packed with events. It all begins with a torchlight procession from the church of Saint Victor to the parish church and the novena; the following days feature the inauguration with the G.B. Viotti Musical Band, music and dance evenings, theatrical performances, and exhibitions. The heart of the event is Sunday, with the Solemn Holy Mass in honor of Saint Victor, the blessing of the bread, the procession, and, at noon, the actual Oxen Race. Particularly significant is the auction of the carts, the public bidding process used to assign the participating teams, and the blessing of the drivers on the church parvis.
Food, exhibitions, and side events
A rich program of events revolves around the race: the food pavilion serving traditional dishes, the Agricultural Trade Fair (now in its 49th edition), the car exhibition (44th edition), a vintage Vespa display, a funfair, and the "I 4 Cantoni" footrace. A complete festival that unites religious, sporting, and social dimensions, organized with passion by the Asigliano Folkloric Committee.
Why it's worth visiting
More than just a village festival, the Oxen Race of Asigliano Vercellese is a journey into the history and soul of rural Piedmont. For those looking to discover an authentic Italy, far from the major tourist circuits, this Vercelli event offers a unique experience made of living traditions, popular faith, and community warmth.
Oxen Race — edition 2026
The 590th edition of the Patronal Feast and Oxen Race was held in Asigliano Vercellese from May 7 to 12, 2026. A historic milestone for a tradition that has uninterruptedly renewed its vow to Saint Victor since 1436. The program combined the religious dimension — torchlight procession, novena, solemn mass, procession, and blessing of the bread — with the folkloric and social aspects, featuring the food pavilion, musical evenings, shows, and exhibitions. The highlight was the race of the ox-drawn carts, held on Sunday, May 10, at 12:00 PM before a large crowd.
Programme Oxen Race 2026
Thursday, May 7
- 8:30 PM — Torchlight procession from the church of Saint Victor to the parish church and novena
Friday, May 8
- 7:30 PM — Opening of the food pavilion (à la carte menu)
- 8:45 PM — Inauguration with the G.B. Viotti Musical Band
- Exhibitions: vintage Vespas, 49th Agricultural Trade Fair, 44th Car Exhibition
- 10:30 PM — Youth night with "Mobile Disco" (free entry)
Saturday, May 9
- 8:00 AM-1:00 PM — "Mother's Day: an azalea for life"
- 12:00 PM — Auction of the carts for the 590th Oxen Race
- 6:00 PM — Blessing of the drivers on the parish church parvis
- 10:00 PM — Vasco Rossi tribute (free entry)
Sunday, May 10
- 9:00 AM — Opening of the festivities
- 10:30 AM — Solemn Holy Mass in honor of the patron saint, Saint Victor
- 11:30 AM — Blessing of the bread and procession
- 12:00 PM — 590th Oxen Race
- 2:30 PM — "A Word of Fun" with Treasure Hunt in the municipal park
- 10:00 PM — "Gianmarco Bagutti" show orchestra (free entry)
Monday, May 11
- 7:30 AM — Distribution of blessed bread to families
- 10:00 PM — Latin night by the MAI Academy dance school (free entry)
Tuesday, May 12
- 7:30 PM — Grand mixed grill with Piano Bar
- 8:00 PM — "I 4 Cantoni" footrace (20th edition)
- 8:30 PM — Middle school theatrical performance (free entry)
Highlights Oxen Race 2026
- The 590th Oxen Race, Sunday, May 10 at 12:00 PM, the symbolic moment of Asigliano's identity
- The auction of the carts and the blessing of the drivers
- The Solemn Holy Mass and the procession in honor of Saint Victor
- The Vasco Rossi tribute and the Gianmarco Bagutti show orchestra
- The 49th Agricultural Trade Fair and the 44th Car Exhibition
Prices Oxen Race 2026
Practical information — Oxen Race
Getting there
Asigliano Vercellese is located in the province of Vercelli, in the heart of the Piedmontese rice fields. By car, it can be reached via the A4 Turin-Milan motorway (Vercelli Ovest or Greggio exit) and the A26. By train, the reference station is Vercelli, on the Turin-Milan line, from where you can continue by bus or car to the town.
Dates and times
The festival takes place in the first half of May and lasts about six days. The Oxen Race is held on Sunday at noon (12:00 PM). During the event, traffic changes and road closures are expected.
Admission
Most events are free to enter. The food pavilion offers an à la carte menu.
Contacts
Asigliano Folkloric Committee — tel. +39 351 9743023. Information is also available on the Committee's social media pages and the website of the Municipality of Asigliano Vercellese.
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Where does it take place — Oxen Race
Centro storico e Salone Polifunzionale