'EXVALSE', 'Operation/Project co-financed by the Tuscan Por Fesr 2021-2027'

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'EXVALSE', 'Operation/Project co-financed by the Tuscan Por Fesr 2021-2027'

Contributions >
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The Stories of Local Ambassadors: Discover the Ruzzi della Conca in Chiusi with Chiara Rende

Ruzzi della Conca in Chiusi Scalo: Tradition, Competition and Contrada Spirit

With this new series dedicated to Local Ambassadors, we want to tell the story of the events of Valdichiana Senese through the voices of those who organise them, imagine them and make them possible. People who, through their work and passion, help bring the area to life and create experiences capable of engaging both visitors and local communities.

In the heart of Valdichiana Senese, in Chiusi Scalo, the Ruzzi della Conca are one of the most eagerly awaited events at the end of summer. From the last weekend of August until the first weekend of September, the 45th edition of the event will take place, bringing together tradition, competition and community spirit in a celebration that involves the entire town.

Chiara Rende, representative of the Ruzzi della Conca, tells the story of the event, which she experiences as a true protagonist. For her, the Ruzzi are not simply a popular festival, but a moment of sharing and belonging, bringing several generations together around the colours of the contrade.

As Chiara Rende explains, the Ruzzi della Conca were founded in 1981 thanks to Don Vasco Della Lena, with the aim of giving Chiusi Scalo a new sense of life and identity through games and community participation. Five contrade were created – Granocchiaio, Sottogrottone, Fornace, Biffe and Mar Nero – each with its own colours and identity. Every year, these five teams compete to win the famous Conca, a traditional copper vessel that represents the symbol of victory and which, according to tradition, is used to drink wine during the celebrations.

At the heart of the event is Palla a Bracciale, an ancient game in which teams of three players compete against each other. The athletes wear a distinctive wooden bracciale covering the hand and part of the wrist, which they use to strike a silicone ball.

But the Ruzzi della Conca are much more than a sporting competition. Throughout the event, Piazza 26 Giugno becomes the heart of the celebrations, with a large restaurant, a pub and food stalls welcoming residents, visitors and many people from neighbouring towns. It is an opportunity to meet up, share the pleasure of good food and experience an atmosphere of friendship, tradition and belonging.

For Chiara Rende, her favourite place is the sports field in Chiusi Scalo, where the Palla a Bracciale matches take place. As a player, that field represents a second home, the place where she reunites with her contrada every year and with the strong bond she has with its white and green colours — symbols of a passion she carries in her heart and which make the Ruzzi della Conca a unique experience to discover.

Watch the full interview to find out more.
https://youtu.be/j59alyE-fCw