The “Palio dei Somari” is an event that takes place each year on the Sunday following the 19th of March (Or on the 19th of March itself should it fall on a Sunday). Do you like horseracing? Does your heart pound at the thought of sitting in the grandstand, cheering on your favourite in an electric atmosphere as colours flash past you and the grass is flattened under the hooves of some of the most majestic animals in the world? If so, then take a trip to Torrita di Siena and brace yourselves for an event you will never forget!
If you have heard of the "Palio di Siena" then brace yourselves for this twist on the traditional horse race between the "Contrade".
The Palio dei Somari is a race held for the prize of the "Palio" in which the Saint that inspired it (St.Joseph) is depicted. Every year the Palio can change hands from one district to another, depending on the champion, however, there is one difference between this race and that of Siena. Horses are not used in the race at all. Instead, the people race on donkeys. Yes, you did read that correctly.
If you have heard of the "Palio di Siena" then brace yourselves for this twist on the traditional horse race between the "Contrade".
The Palio dei Somari is a race held for the prize of the "Palio" in which the Saint that inspired it (St.Joseph) is depicted. Every year the Palio can change hands from one district to another, depending on the champion, however, there is one difference between this race and that of Siena. Horses are not used in the race at all. Instead, the people race on donkeys. Yes, you did read that correctly.
The people of Torrita created the festival in 1966 in honour of St. Joseph,the patron Saint of carpenters. For this reason the donkey was chosen as it could not have been anything else to honour the Worker Saint and celebrate the ideas of both labour and simplicity.
The race itself provides vast degrees of entertainment as the donkeys can not only stop and refuse to continue, but also they have been known to turn around and go the opposite direction. However this is not the only thing to look forward to! In the week before the Sunday when the Palio is held, the people also dress in medieval costume, cook traditional foods, and there are many events both indoors and outdoors that you can attend.
So if you are holidaying (or thinking of holidaying) around these dates in March then why not join in the fun and festivities of the “Palio dei Somari”? It is definitely an event that is NOT to be missed!
You can rent a villa or apartment in the Province of Siena and enjoy the wonderful culture of the area while also enjoying a peaceful relaxing holiday . Click here otherwise to view other properties available to rent in Tuscany.
The race itself provides vast degrees of entertainment as the donkeys can not only stop and refuse to continue, but also they have been known to turn around and go the opposite direction. However this is not the only thing to look forward to! In the week before the Sunday when the Palio is held, the people also dress in medieval costume, cook traditional foods, and there are many events both indoors and outdoors that you can attend.
So if you are holidaying (or thinking of holidaying) around these dates in March then why not join in the fun and festivities of the “Palio dei Somari”? It is definitely an event that is NOT to be missed!
You can rent a villa or apartment in the Province of Siena and enjoy the wonderful culture of the area while also enjoying a peaceful relaxing holiday . Click here otherwise to view other properties available to rent in Tuscany.
