Un Asino per Amico - Ancient May Fair
The Ancient May Fair dedicated to donkeys and the rural culture of Monastero di Vasco
About Un Asino per Amico
Un Asino per Amico: the fair that celebrates the donkey
In Monastero di Vasco, a town of just over a thousand residents nestled in the hills of the Monregalese area in the Province of Cuneo (Piedmont), every May brings an event that has become a true symbol of local identity: "Un Asino per Amico" - Ancient May Fair. Established in 2007 through a collaboration between the municipal administration and the Pro Loco, the event celebrates local traditions and rural culture by highlighting a humble and affectionate animal: the donkey, alongside mules, hinnies, and pack mares.
A growing fair: five days of celebration
Having grown edition after edition, the fair now spans five days of events, turning the town center into a vibrant meeting place. Along the streets of Monastero di Vasco, you will find a market area with stalls, food stands, exhibitions of ancient crafts, and vintage tractors, while the funfair brings color and excitement for families.
The fair program
The heart of the event remains the equine livestock exhibition, featuring a showcase reserved for breeders of donkeys, mules, hinnies, and pack mares, culminating in the awarding of the finest animals. Recurring annual highlights include:
- the parade through the town streets, accompanied by the marching band, with donkeys walking among the crowds;
- the Grand Ravioli Feast under the marquee, followed by the opening of the funfair and a fireworks display;
- the "IH OH Party", a lively evening with live music and DJ sets;
- workshops and readings for children, such as the event dedicated to "Perla l'Asinella," along with e-bike tours and activities focused on animal interaction and respect;
- bird of prey demonstrations, exhibitions dedicated to ancient crafts, and the lottery draw.
A community event
The fair attracts numerous visitors from the Monregalese area and the Province of Cuneo every year, with the highlight on Sunday featuring lunches and dinners under the marquee, musical performances, and activities for all ages. To facilitate arrivals during peak days, a free shuttle service is provided. "Un Asino per Amico" is now one of the most cherished events in the region, successfully blending the promotion of rural Piedmontese traditions with the fun and community spirit of the entire town.
Un Asino per Amico — edition 2026
The 17th edition of "Un Asino per Amico - Ancient May Fair" was held in Monastero di Vasco, in the Province of Cuneo, from Thursday, May 14th to Monday, May 18th, 2026, with a program extended to five days. Highlights included the children's reading and workshop "Perla l'Asinella" in the library on Friday, May 16th, the Grand Ravioli Feast under the marquee, the opening of the funfair, and the evening fireworks display.
The main day on Sunday, May 17th, brought together the traditional parade through the town, the equine livestock exhibition with the awarding of the donkeys, the market area with stalls, and numerous activities for children, supported by a free shuttle service. The event was attended by the President of the Province of Cuneo, Luca Robaldo, and provincial councilors Pietro Danna and Rocco Pulitanò. The event was organized by the Municipality of Monastero di Vasco and the Pro Loco.
Programme Un Asino per Amico 2026
Thursday, May 14th - Monday, May 18th, 2026: five days of fair with a market area, stalls, food stands, funfair, and family activities.
- Friday, May 16th: 4:00 PM reading and workshop for children "Perla l'Asinella" in the library; in the evening, Grand Ravioli Feast under the marquee, opening of the funfair, and fireworks display.
- Sunday, May 17th (main day): parade through the town with donkeys, exhibition and awarding of equine livestock, market area, musical moments, and children's activities; free shuttle service.
Highlights Un Asino per Amico 2026
- Exhibition of donkeys, mules, and hinnies with awards
- Parade through the town streets
- Grand Ravioli Feast and fireworks display
- Children's workshop "Perla l'Asinella"
- Free shuttle service on Sunday
Prices Un Asino per Amico 2026
Practical information — Un Asino per Amico
Getting there
Monastero di Vasco is located in the Province of Cuneo, just a few kilometers from Mondovì. By car, it can be reached via the A6 Turin-Savona motorway (Mondovì exit), then following signs for Monastero di Vasco. The nearest train station is in Mondovì, on the Turin-Savona line.
Services
During peak days, especially on the main Sunday, a free shuttle service to the fair area is provided. Food stands offering lunches and dinners under a marquee are available, as well as a funfair.
Admission
Admission to the fair and market area is free; some food and entertainment activities require payment.
Information
Municipality of Monastero di Vasco, tel. +39 0174 689104. Pro Loco of Monastero di Vasco, email [email protected].
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Where does it take place — Un Asino per Amico
Centro del paese e area mercatale