Boškarin, the autochthonous Istrian ox with huge horns, has always been the most important farm animal in Istria. It has been used for plowing and pulling carts, whereas the popular expression boškarin originates from the pet name once commonly used for almost all such oxen.

Every year on St. Jacob's Day - Jakovlja, Kanfanar is the venue for the traditional fair where the best boškarin is chosen. At 5 pm they leave the fairground and pass through Kanfanar, heading towards the cattle scales where each boškarin is weighed. In the nearby small valley each ox tries the skill of ploughing with traditional ploughs, with only one ox, in pairs and even two pairs. After ploughing, cattle return to the fairground where the best ox is chosen, as well as winners in certain disciplines.