Posted by: Debra Kolkka | March 28, 2018

Before the race

The Palio dei Somari in Torrita di Siena began in 1966. A group of local people wanted to create a festival to celebrate Saint Joseph, the patron Saint of carpenters, as woodwork was, and still is, a common activity in the town.

The town is divided into 8 contrade (districts). Each one competes for a painted symbol of victory, called Palio. The race is preceded by a parade of more than 100 characters wearing 15th century costumes.

It is a wonderful spectacle.

Palio dei Somari 2018

Palio dei Somari 2018

Palio dei Somari 2018

Palio dei Somari 2018

Palio dei Somari 2018

Palio dei Somari 2018

Palio dei Somari 2018

Palio dei Somari 2018

Palio dei Somari 2018

Palio dei Somari 2018

Palio dei Somari 2018

Palio dei Somari 2018

Once the parade has wound its way through town the participants take a break for lunch before they all meet again for the big event.

Last year I was in town for the whole weekend and saw the events on Saturday night and Sunday morning as well.

It is brilliant, take a look…Sbandieratori, Tamburini and more

 


Responses

  1. Looks truly magnificent. And the costumes are superb!
    Thank you for sharing these beautiful photos.

    • The detail in the costumes is excellent.

  2. Thank you for the information. Definitely worth a trip there. What pageantry! I hope to see it someday soon.

    • It is really worthwhile going to Torrita di Siena for the weekend of the race.

  3. Fabulous costumes and handsome young Senese.

    • There are some very handsome people taking part.

  4. The Italians Certainly know how to put on a spectacle! Stunning on many levels

    • It is one of the things Italians do very well.


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