Spring in Valdichiana Senese begins with the Palio dei Somari in Torrita di Siena

The event takes place in Torrita every year on the Sunday after 19 March

After a debut with the best premises, given the high turnout of public that was recorded in Torrita last weekend, the 63rd edition of the Palio dei Somari is heading towards its main events.

After having traveled the streets of the village by visiting the Medieval Market of La Nencia, discovering precious artifacts made on the spot by artisans, and having stopped for dinner at the Taverns, the various dining options where the Contradas serve the most typical traditional dishes , in the coming days you can immerse yourself in the life of the Contrada proper. First of all by participating in propitiatory dinners, a fixture on the Friday preceding the Race.ù

The historical center returns to be the epicenter of the event on Saturday, when the prize is presented in Piazza Matteotti, in the few minutes before the excitement spreads due to the imminent race in pairs between the flag-wavers and the Tamburini of the Contradas. The curiosity on the part of the public to see every year new demonstrations of technique and ability, joins the incitement for its own colors, in front of the show presented by the quartets of the Contradas and by the Sbandieratori and the Tamburini of the Four Castles of Torrita. The next day, the appointment is still in the square with the arrival of the Contrade parades. Composed of 17 figures each, they walk through the historic center showing off hand-stitched fifteenth-century style monograms, including banners, armor and fine fabrics. The Palio dei Somari is run in the afternoon, at the Gioco del Pallone area just outside the wall of the hamlet. The assignment to fate of the donkey that will go to each Contrada makes the outcome of a race that does not allow for making predictions even more uncertain, but promises to amuse those who want to experience the experience of a unique competition of its kind. The Palio dei Somari, organized by the Sagra San Giuseppe Association, under the patronage of the Municipality of Torrita di Siena and the Region of Tuscany, has been registered since 2014 in the Regional List of associations and events for re-enactment and historical reconstruction.

On both weekends of the event, you can use the free shuttle service to reach the historic center from the collection points located in the various parking areas (5 minutes journey time). Campers can stay for free in an area 100m away from the village, or in the space in front of the Torrita sports hall, from where the shuttle service starts.
Entrance to the historic center is always free, the ticket to the competition field to attend the Palio dei Somari is sold on site and is free for children under eight years of age. In case of rain the Palio is postponed to Sunday 31 March.
For further information: www.paliodeisomari.it