San Michele Fair

A tradition descending from the mountain pastures

The San Michele Fair is one of the most cherished events in Scopello, a small town in the Valsesia valley in the Province of Vercelli, in the heart of the Piedmont Alps. Its origins date back to the Middle Ages: in the past, as shepherds descended from the high pastures to the plains at the end of summer, they would traditionally stop at the fair in Riva Valdobbia on Saturday, followed by the fair in Scopello on Sunday. The event thus marked the return of the herds and the end of the transhumance season, a crucial moment in the life of mountain communities.

The gathering of the herds at Prato della Fonderia

The heart of the event takes place at the Prato della Fonderia (Fonderia area), a large meadow along the banks of the Sesia River. From the early hours of the morning, herds arriving from the mountain pastures gather here, and local breeders showcase their livestock in an atmosphere that preserves the bond with traditional Valsesian pastoral life. Alongside the livestock exhibition, there are stalls featuring local products and crafts from the Valsesia, while the town square is filled with various market vendors.

The Shepherd's Lunch

The most anticipated moment of the day is the Shepherd's Lunch, hosted in the marquee around 12:30 PM. The chefs of the Pro Loco of Scopello prepare the famous tripe minestrone, cooked according to tradition in large copper pots over a wood fire: a simple, hearty dish that captures the very soul of mountain peasant cuisine. Reservations can be made on the day at the venue.

Awards and Valsesian identity

In the afternoon, around 3:30 PM, local authorities offer their greetings, followed by the awarding of the participating breeders, who receive traditional handcrafted cowbells. The event, relaunched after more than half a century of interruption and enriched since 2000 with craft and hobby exhibitors, represents the most authentic and simple Valsesian identity today, celebrating the region's heritage and the valley's folk traditions.

A festival for the whole valley

• When: The last Sunday of September
• Where: Prato della Fonderia and the Town Square, Scopello (VC)
• What to see: Livestock exhibition, markets with local products and Valsesian crafts
• What to taste: Tripe minestrone from the Shepherd's Lunch
• Organized by: Pro Loco of Scopello

Among the agricultural fairs of the Valsesia, the San Michele Fair is an unmissable stop for those wishing to discover the authentic Alpine culture of Piedmont, amidst mountain flavors, pastoral traditions, and the warm hospitality of a community that proudly preserves its roots.