I am in Torrita di Siena for the Palio dei Somari. Torrita di Siena is a well preserved hilltop town not far from the Autostrada and on the way to Siena.
Not to be outdone by their slightly more famous neighbour, in 1966 the townspeople of Torrita di Siena began the Palio dei Somari…the donkey Palio.
I arrived the day before the race to get the lay of the land and to find good positions to see the parade that will go through the town tomorrow. I had time to wander through the narrow streets bedecked with the flags of the various contrade…the areas of town competing in the race.
There are some gorgeous views of the Tuscan hills from the edges of town.
I was really lucky with my choice of place to stay. It is a lovely little apartment, called Casa dei Fiori right on the path for the parade and less than 50 metres from the piazza where the celebrations will begin with flag throwing and drummers. The owners are delightful and they are going to show me some of the other apartments tomorrow, so you can all come next year for the Palio.
I got to watch some of the participants practising this afternoon.
This is where the race will be run tomorrow afternoon…I have my ticket.
Here is a photo of a photo from a vantage point that I won’t have. This is the piazza where the festivities will begin.
…and some old photos of the race and the donkeys.
There will be an exhibition later tonight and I will be there…I love a bit of flag throwing and drums.
The streets are getting dark.
I will be jostling for a position in front of the bar. The next post will be the celebrations…and the race.
Oh, it looks so lovely there! Cheer on the donkeys and their riders for me 😀
By: sheilasunshine on March 19, 2016
at 7:36 pm
It is gorgeous here…let the fun begin. I will mention your name to the donkeys.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 19, 2016
at 7:40 pm
Oh, what fun!
By: Sue on March 19, 2016
at 7:39 pm
I really love these festivals in Italy.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 19, 2016
at 7:41 pm
They have a character all of their own!
By: Sue on March 19, 2016
at 7:51 pm
Sounds fabulous. I am sure you are in for a great time. Some very good photos including a couple of very nice looking flag throwers. What a lovely little town. That night sky is the most striking colour
By: Lyn on March 19, 2016
at 7:42 pm
I did notice the handsome fellows. That lovely young boy sat next to me while I was watching and we had a chat.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 19, 2016
at 7:46 pm
It sounds like a lot of fun, we may be going next year. Enjoy!
By: Mulino Dominillo on March 19, 2016
at 7:55 pm
You should. It is fun…can’t wait until tomorrow.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 19, 2016
at 10:44 pm
Sounds very interesting! You have a very great time! We are arraved 2 days ago and still dont now about life around). See you soon.
By: villatalente on March 19, 2016
at 8:25 pm
I’ll be back Monday.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 19, 2016
at 10:45 pm
You always seem to find the most interesting festa’s and places to visit. Another event to add to my list for next year. Have made reservations for three nmonths in Lucca next winter/spring.
By: Anonymous on March 19, 2016
at 8:44 pm
This is an excellent festival. You must come next year.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 19, 2016
at 10:45 pm
I love donkeys! I am eagerly awaiting your next post. Some more photos of the two legged participants would be nice, too.
By: kathyhill on March 19, 2016
at 9:20 pm
I will be trying for photos of both…just for you.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 19, 2016
at 10:46 pm
I’m not keen on donkeys but I thnk it would be worthwhile going to watch the flag throwers!!!!
By: alison on March 19, 2016
at 9:34 pm
The flag throwers are amazing. They make it look easy and I am sure it isn’t
By: Debra Kolkka on March 19, 2016
at 10:46 pm
A visit is needed even if the race has been run
By: Liz Litzow on March 19, 2016
at 11:37 pm
It is a cute little town and very close to Montepulciano and lots of other great spots.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 20, 2016
at 6:16 am
Looking forward to seeing the festivities.
By: Kerry & Jim on March 20, 2016
at 12:38 am
Me too, I haven’t seen a donkey yet.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 20, 2016
at 6:18 am
What fun Deb how far is this from Bagni? Jan is Ancona being nonna for 2 months.
By: Judi Troncoso on March 20, 2016
at 12:45 am
It took about 2hours 30 minutes to drive here from Bagni di Lucca.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 20, 2016
at 6:34 am
I love sweet donkeys!! One day I want to run a donkey refuge 😀
By: Lorraine @Not Quite Nigella on March 20, 2016
at 1:04 am
Sounds like a plan.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 20, 2016
at 6:33 am
Oh what a spectacle. Glad you are enjoying. How far from Bagni di Lucca ?
By: Dianne CANT on March 20, 2016
at 4:12 am
Torrita di Siena is about 2 hours 30 minutes from BdL.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 22, 2016
at 7:19 pm
Didn’t know about this place or this tradition! Looks like it’s only 28km from Castiglion Fiorentino. Looking forward to your next post about it. 🙂
By: Save San Filippino (@SanFilippino) on March 20, 2016
at 5:36 am
There is a connection with Castiglion Fiorentino. Last Saturday there was a team from your town on show in Torrita di Siena.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 22, 2016
at 7:18 pm
And thanks for the Italian eye candy Debi!!!
By: Francesca on March 21, 2016
at 4:28 am
There will be much more…including that lovely boy dressed in blue.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 22, 2016
at 7:18 pm
Would love to join you next year Debra! 😉
By: janinevasta on March 24, 2016
at 12:22 pm
[…] I love the donkey Palio in Torrita di Siena. […]
By: Where to go in 2020? | Bagni di Lucca and Beyond on January 30, 2020
at 8:54 pm