I know I said this post would be about the donkey race, but the festivities that went on before were so fabulous I want to share them with you. The costumes alone are worthy of their own post, before I even get to the spectacle that is flag throwing.
The competition among the 8 contrade (districts of Torrita di Siena) is fierce. On Saturday night all the spectacle that the town could muster was on show in Piazza Matteotti, the lovely square in the middle of town.
First into the piazza was the band, people of all ages.
Then came the competitors. There were 2 sbandieratori (flag throwers) and 2 tamburini (drummers) in each team. Prizes are given to both the drummers and the throwers. The costumes were stunning and the participants were very athletic. Winners are announced at the Palio on Sunday.
There was also an exhibition by an amazing troup, who looked very professional.
The evening finished with a bit of fire breathing, just to add to the spectacle.
Sunday morning’s activities were even more spectacular. The entourage of each contrade made their entrance into the piazza, led by 2 knights, a flag bearer and the band.
Everyone filed into the church for mass. They returned to the piazza for the most exciting part…the sbandieratori and tamburini display.
After the magnificent display everyone took their places for the parade through the town. I told you my apartment was close to the action, that is my front door behind the participants.
At last the final person disappeared down the street and it was time to have some lunch and get ready for the main event.
The next post will have donkeys.
Wow! Spectacular costumes…..it would have been an amazing event to see.
By: Kerry & Jim on March 22, 2016
at 7:03 am
I didn’t know what to expect. Torrita di Siena is not a big town, but they sure know how to put on a show. The festivities lasted for a week, but I was there just for the last 2 days.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 22, 2016
at 7:10 am
The Italians are unbeatable when it comes to historical recreations. Thank you for sharing this event with us, Deb!
By: Mulino Dominillo on March 22, 2016
at 7:15 am
Wow, great post.
By: Francesca on March 22, 2016
at 7:18 am
I took hundreds of photos, it was amazing. The whole event was brilliant, the organisers did a great job.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 22, 2016
at 8:03 am
Amazing Deb. For wonderful to be there What a spectacle You had a good position to take such clever pictures.
By: Dianne CANT on March 22, 2016
at 7:35 am
For some of it I had a good position, but for the middle bit I was wedged between a couple of tall men, one of whom kept colliding with me.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 22, 2016
at 8:04 am
How truly thrilling – everyone seems to play their part so well. I imagine that in medieval times they were competing for serious favours – or perhaps – honour. I wonder where all those beautiful costumes are stored in between times.
By: Jan on March 22, 2016
at 7:52 am
The detail in some of the costumes was amazing. No doubt there is plenty of storage space. Only a handful ofpeople live in the old town. Once it was pedestrianised most moved out to the new part of town.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 22, 2016
at 8:08 am
Wow, what a great post and great images! Makes me want to be there.
By: Joe"s Retirement Blog on March 22, 2016
at 8:51 am
I’m glad I was.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 22, 2016
at 11:17 am
Hi Deb, Happy Easter darling!
By: Russell on March 22, 2016
at 9:35 am
Happy Easter to you too.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 22, 2016
at 11:18 am
Beautiful! Forgive the movie reference but was this event in Under The Tuscan Sun?
By: Mary on March 22, 2016
at 10:16 am
It is years since I saw that movie, so I don’t know. These events are not uncommon in Italy. Torrita di Siena is not far from Cortona, so it could be the one.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 22, 2016
at 11:19 am
Fabulous post. Just to confirm ‘Mary’s’ comment – Yes, that event also took place in the Under the Tuscan Sun movie. It was the young Polish suitor who was participating….right? Super event. Can’t wait for the next post!!
By: Anonymous on March 22, 2016
at 2:37 pm
I wasn’t all that impressed with the movie, but I will watch it again to see that bit.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 23, 2016
at 5:51 am
what fantastic photos! Thanks for sharing 🙂
By: kalgoorliegirl on March 22, 2016
at 8:41 pm
It was a great event. I pleased I stayed for the weekend.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 23, 2016
at 5:52 am
Outstanding. My cousin is involved in a similar festival in Pescia. Last week of August ending the first weekend in September. Will you be in Italy at that time?
By: aFrankAngle on March 23, 2016
at 12:26 am
I am not here in August, but sometimes I arrive in September. I will look for the festival.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 23, 2016
at 5:53 am
What a spectacular event. I bet the accompanying music/drums were equally as fabulous.
Looking forward to the donkeys……
By: Anonymous on March 23, 2016
at 12:38 am
Yes, the music and drums are excellent. It is a very exciting event to watch.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 23, 2016
at 5:53 am
Looks spectacular! I want this on my bucket list!
By: Alisa Abbo on March 24, 2016
at 7:05 pm
Wow, That is so colorful! Those drummers really get into it, don’t they? Our local town of Monselice has a parade and pageant with what looks like the same. I enjoy it.
I just got back from Dubai where I went to the World Expo and heard a great bank in the Kuwait pavilion. They had energy!
Keep writing….
http://whatfillsmyplate.blogspot.it/
By: David Lester on April 2, 2016
at 4:52 pm
How great that you got to see all this! Thanks for sharing the photos.
By: sheilasunshine on April 7, 2016
at 5:44 pm
[…] couldn’t get any takers to join me to see the Donkey Palio in Torrita di Siena, so I went alone…what a treat. I am going again in 2017. As well as the hilarious donkey race […]
By: 2016 travels | Bagni di Lucca and Beyond on December 27, 2016
at 7:55 am
[…] It is brilliant, take a look…Sbandieratori, Tamburini and more […]
By: Before the race | Bagni di Lucca and Beyond on March 28, 2018
at 7:01 pm