Events: Discovering Tuscan traditions

Siena had, from the earliest times, a particular predilection for public entertainment, and like other “noble” cities, the physical clash was preferred where strength, courage, skill and astuteness, characterised the various games that succeeded over time.

Come sweet children, run this palio and make, that only one, that which has it, that is, that your heart is not divided. (St. Catherine of Siena)

In Montisi (5 km), hamlet of San Giovanni D’asso, takes place the historical event Simon’s Marry-go-round of Montisi.

A medieval taste challenge between the 4 districts; In the marry-go-round the riders at a gallop try to hit the “buratto” that represent Simone Cacciaconti who in the 1292 attacked the castle.

In Montisi takes place in the beginning of November the Oil Festival, during which you can visit the various oil mills of the area and taste and buy new oil and other typical products.

In Torrita di Siena (12 km),  Donkey’s palio takes place every year on the following Sunday on the 18th of March and was born in the 60’s years from the idea of a small association of citizens to set up a popular festival in honor of the patron saint of the carpenters Saint Joseph.

After parades and flag wavers, eight districts competes on the field of competition set up in the clearing of the “game of the ball”, outside the ancient walls of Torrita.

In Montepulciano on August 10^th in the night of Saint Lawrence: ‘Glasses under the stars’ is the most important event of itinerant tasting open to everybody, organized by the ‘Nobile Wine’s Street’ of Montepulciano and the taste of the Valdichiana.

In Montepulciano takes place every year in the last Sunday of August, a difficult race: the eight districts are challenged by rolling barrels of about 80 kg each, along a slope route of over a kilometre.