The Palio dei Somari
Folklore and history relive in the most awaited event in Torrita di Siena
The Palio dei Somari [Run of the Donkeys] is definitely the celebration par excellence of the Torrita people, who in 1966 created a festival in honor of Saint Joseph, patron saint of carpenters (a professional category that is particularly active in this village). The festival, dedicated both to the saint worker, and to the humble and docile animal, was born with the intention to celebrate two fundamental components of human work: effort and simplicity. So, since the first edition (held on the occasion of the St. Joseph day), it is precisely him to be painted on any palio. Chasing the palio (i.e., according to the Siena tradition, an embroidered tapestry) are the 8 districts of Torrita di Siena: Porta a Pago, Porta Sole, Porta Gavina, Porta Nova, la Fonte, Stazione, Refenero and Cavone.
Each of these has its own color, its emblem, and its impeccable vintage clothing, inspired by the mid-fifteenth century. Besides, the event in itself is inserted into a wider program of celebrations consisting of various initiatives and aggregation moments, such as the public opening of the taverns of the old town, the draw and pair of the heats, themed conferences and exhibitions, and propitiatory dinners in the headquarters of the districts.
This year the Palio dei Somari will take place from the 13th to the 23th of March.
Program
Thursday 13th March
9 p.m. Live Tv Presentation of the Palio
Saturday 15th March
5 p.m. Via Ghino di Tacco | Presentation of the plaque at Osteria di "Caldarella"
6 p.m. Piazza Matteotti | Commemoration and and drawing lots for the race; submission of the Sfoggiato by Contrada Porta Nova
7 p.m. Piazza Matteotti | Presentation of Palio 2025
7:30 p.m. Historic centre | Taverne's opening
8 p.m. Historic centre | Music and itinerant shows by “Arte da Parte” group
9:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. Piazza Matteotti | Juggling show “SHEZAN te impossible genius”, fire show "ONYRIA" (di Genio & Follia) and "the Merchant of dreams" by Krons Acrobatic Theater group
11:30 p.m. Piazza Matteotti | Dj set
Sunday 16th March
10 a.m – 12.30 p.m. Parco della Rimembranza | “Somarando” Children area
From 10 a.m. Historic centre | Hawk exhibition by “Falconieri del Valdarno” and medieval toys exhibition by “Nobiltà e Contado” company. Guided tour of the main points of interest of the city center and of "Torrita Nascosta" (mandatory reservation)
11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Historic centre | Exhibition of Flag wavers and drummers
1 p.m. Historic Centre | Taverne's opening
2 p.m. Historic Centre| Music and itinerant shows by “Arte da Parte” group
3 p.m - 3:30 p.m. Piazza Matteotti | Hawk exhibition by “Falconieri del Valdarno”
3 p.m. Giardini di Via Maestri | Workshops for children “Ars Joculatoris” by “Kalu Descalso”
4 p.m. Piazza Matteotti | Flag wavers and drummers
7 p.m. Historic Centre | Taverne's opening
9:15 p.m - 10 p.m. Piazza Matteotti | "Alea" final show by "Genio & Follia"
Tuesday 18th March
7:30 p.m. Historic Centre | Street food and
9:30 p.m. Oscuri Theatre | Contrade Quiz "Avanti un altro ... Somaro"
Wednesday 19th March
8:30 p.m. Saints Costanzo and Martino Church | Holy Mass and Blessing of the Jockey tunic
Friday 21st March
8 p.m. Contrade | Propitiatory dinner
Sunday 22nd March
7 p.m. Parco della Rimembranza | Taverna of the flag waver's opening
9:30 p.m. Piazza Matteotti | Blessing of the Palio 2025
10 p.m. Piazza matteotti | Couple challenge between flag wavers and drummers exhibition of flag wavers and drummers of Quattro Castelli
Sunday 23rd March
9 a.m. Piazza Matteotti | Historical procession's arrival
10 a.m.Saints Costanzo and Martino Church | Holy Mass
12 p.m. Piazza Matteotti | Flags, drummers and clarions show
12:30 p.m. Town alleys | Historical procession
3:30 p.m. Gioco del pallone | Contrade's entrance
4 p.m Gioco del pallone | Palio race