Fiera di u Casgiu
Regional Fair of Corsican Farm Cheeses in Venaco, Central Corsica
About Fiera di u Casgiu
A Fiera di u Casgiu is the regional fair of Corsican farm cheeses, unique of its kind on the island. Organized annually in Venaco, in the heart of Central Corsica, it brings together shepherds, producers, and artisans around pastoralism, cheese gastronomy, and sustainable development. Created in 1996 by the A Fiera di u Casgiu association, it has become an unmissable event in Corsican rural and cultural life.
A Fiera di u Casgiu — The Venaco Cheese Fair
A Fiera di u Casgiu ("the cheese fair" in Corsican language) is the only fair in Corsica entirely dedicated to farm cheese, pastoralism, and sustainable development. Since its creation in 1996, it has been organized by the eponymous association and takes place every spring in Venaco, on the fairground of Stade Paul Giacobbi.
An event in three parts
The fair is structured around three highlights:
- The fair itself: direct sales from producers (farm cheeses, charcuterie, honey, chestnut flour, jams, wines), Corsican crafts (cutlery, wood, leather, jewelry), and on-site catering (spit-roasted veal, sandwiches, refreshment stand).
- The Regional Competition of Corsican Farm Cheeses: an annual competition bringing together shepherds from all over the island, with the awarding of typicality prizes to cheese productions respecting traditional practices. Five types of cheeses benefiting from a PGI are represented: Bastelicacciu, Calenzana, Niulincu, Sartinesu, and Venachese.
- The Meetings on Pastoralism and Sustainable Development: seminars and round tables bringing together academics, researchers (CNRS, INRAE), elected officials, and professionals around the future of Corsican pastoralism.
Activities and discoveries
Each edition offers demonstrations of cheese making, brocciu, and tundera (traditional shearing), interactive culinary workshops, guided wine-cheese tastings, quizzes on raw milk and farm cheeses, as well as children's activities. Free concerts animate the Friday and Saturday evenings.
A strong territorial anchoring
Located in the heart of Corsica, in the commune of Venaco, the fair highlights the island's pastoral and cheese heritage. Each year, it brings together more than a hundred exhibitors (shepherds-producers, artisans, agri-food producers) and attracts an audience of enthusiasts, families, and curious visitors from all over Corsica and beyond. Free shuttles connect the village of Venaco to the fairground.
Fiera di u Casgiu — edition 2026
The 29th edition of A Fiera di u Casgiu took place from May 1st to 3rd, 2026 in Venaco (Centre Corse), at the fairgrounds of Stade Paul Giacobbi. This special edition celebrated the fair's 30th anniversary with three days of enriched programming. Sponsored by chef Élodie Balesi and chef Jean-Antoine Ottavi, it offered seminars, cheese demonstrations, culinary workshops, concerts, and the traditional Regional Competition of Corsican Farmhouse Cheeses.
29th Edition — The 30th Anniversary of A Fiera di u Casgiu
The 2026 edition of A Fiera di u Casgiu marked a symbolic milestone: the 30th anniversary of the Venaco cheese fair. For three days, from May 1st to 3rd, the fairgrounds of Stade Paul Giacobbi welcomed shepherds, producers, artisans, and visitors around Corsican farmhouse cheese and pastoralism.
The Patrons of the Edition
This anniversary edition was sponsored by Élodie Balesi, chef, and Jean-Antoine Ottavi, chef, who led culinary demonstrations and interactive workshops throughout the weekend.
Highlights
- Seminar on Corsican Pastoralism — Led by Francescu Maria Luneschi (Vice-President, University of Corsica) with speakers from CNRS (LISA laboratory), INRAE, and territorial elected officials. Theme: « Corsican Pastoralism: updating knowledge, transmitting know-how, and supporting territories ».
- Regional Competition of Corsican Farmhouse Cheeses — Annual competition with awards for typicality for the five Corsican PGI cheeses (Bastelicacciu, Calenzana, Niulincu, Sartinesu, Venachese).
- International Demonstration — Cheese making by shepherds from Cyprus (Ilias Ionnou and Rafaella Christodoulou), guests of honor of the edition.
- Wine and Cheese Pairing Workshop — Led by sommelier Laurina Guelfucci and Casgiu Casanu (registration €10, 20 places).
- Concerts — Felì in free concert on Friday evening, Blumood group on Saturday evening.
Programme Fiera di u Casgiu 2026
Friday, May 1st, 2026
- 15:00 — Fairgrounds opening
- 15:30 — Seminar « Corsican Pastoralism: updating knowledge, transmitting know-how, and supporting territories » — Led by Francescu Maria Luneschi with Laetizia Castellani, Denis Jouffroy, Petru Santucci and the Communauté des Communes d'Ile-Rousse
- 17:30 — Official inauguration of the 29th edition with patrons Élodie Balesi and Jean-Antoine Ottavi
- 18:00 — Interactive culinary demonstration « Élodie's Little Bites » with Élodie Balesi
- 19:00 — Raffle draw and catering
- 20:00 — Stands close
- 21:00 — Felì concert (free admission)
Saturday, May 2nd, 2026
- 09:00 — Fairgrounds opening
- 10:00 — Quiz on raw milk and farmhouse cheeses (Casgiu Casanu stand)
- 10:30 — Demonstration of Corsican fresh cheese making
- 11:30 — Interactive cheese culinary preparation with Élodie Balesi and Jean-Antoine Ottavi
- 12:00-14:00 — Catering (Abattucci spit-roasted veal, sandwiches)
- 14:00 — Demonstration of Brocciu making
- 15:00 — Demonstration of cheese making by shepherds from Cyprus (Ilias Ionnou and Rafaella Christodoulou)
- 17:00 — Tundera demonstration (traditional shearing)
- 19:00 — Stands close · Aperitivu cantatu
- 21:00 — Musical evening with the Blumood group
Sunday, May 3rd, 2026
- 09:00 — Fairgrounds opening
- 10:00 — Quiz on raw milk and farmhouse cheeses (Casgiu Casanu stand)
- 11:00 — Traditional Sunday mass and blessing of animals
- 11:45 — Corsican wine and cheese pairing workshop with Laurina Guelfucci and Casgiu Casanu (registration required, €10/person, 20 places max)
- 12:00 — Catering (Abattucci spit-roasted veal, sandwiches)
- 13:30 — Demonstration of Brocciu making
- 14:30 — Announcement of the results of the Regional Competition of Corsican Farmhouse Cheeses and discussion on traditional types
- 16:30 — Tundera demonstration (traditional shearing)
- 18:00 — Closing of the 29th edition
Daily activities (Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
- Children's activities by the association Les Petits Loups
- Nicci/Brocciu workshops with the chestnut flour producers' group and Casgiu Casanu
- Direct sales from producers and artisans
Highlights Fiera di u Casgiu 2026
- 29th edition — Celebration of the fair's 30th anniversary
- Patrons: Élodie Balesi (chef) and Jean-Antoine Ottavi (chef)
- Shepherds from Cyprus as guests of honor (cheese making demonstration)
- Free concert by Felì on Friday evening
- Regional Competition of Corsican Farmhouse Cheeses
- Seminar on Corsican pastoralism (CNRS, INRAE, University of Corsica)
- Wine and cheese pairing workshop with sommelier Laurina Guelfucci
- Over 100 exhibitors (shepherd-producers, artisans, agri-food)
Prices Fiera di u Casgiu 2026
Practical information — Fiera di u Casgiu
Practical Information
Location
Stade Paul Giacobbi, lieu-dit Ajeluzzico, 20231 Venaco, Corsica. Accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Access
Free shuttles from the village of Venaco to the fairground. Parking available near the site.
Prices
Fairground entrance: 2 €. The entrance ticket must be kept for the daily raffle draws.
Contact
Association A Fiera di u Casgiu — Le Château, 20231 Venaco.
Phone: 06 22 94 48 44 / 04 95 47 15 19
Email: [email protected]
Official website: www.fromages-corse.org
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Where does it take place — Fiera di u Casgiu
Stade Paul Giacobbi
Stade Paul Giacobbi, lieu-dit Ajeluzzico, 20231 Venaco, 20231 Venaco