Biancalana Festival

The Biancalana Festival, the popular soul of Sinalunga

In the heart of the Sienese Valdichiana, the medieval village of Sinalunga (province of Siena, Tuscany) dedicates one of its most cherished festivals every early June to a figure who has become a local legend: Ser Pietro Biancalana. The event, organized by the Pro Loco of Sinalunga with the patronage of the Municipality, takes place on the weekend closest to June 2nd and transforms Piazza Garibaldi and the streets of the historic center into a large open-air stage.

Who was Ser Pietro Biancalana

The festival is rooted in a historical episode from the 16th century. During the War of Siena, on the night of March 10, 1553, the innkeeper Pietro Biancalana — who ran a tavern near the current Piazza Biancalana — secretly led Sienese soldiers inside the castle of Asinalonga (the ancient name of Sinalunga), helping to liberate it from the siege of the Spanish troops serving Cosimo de' Medici. From that popular cunning, the almost epic figure to whom the festival is dedicated was born.

A tradition born in 1986

The Biancalana Festival was born in 1986 with the goal of revitalizing the historic district and recovering the ancient folkloric traditions of the town, picking up the legacy of the Pro Loco founded in 1952. Over the years, it has grown into an event anticipated by the entire community, capable of involving the various city districts in a healthy competition of cooking, decorations, and performances.

What to experience during the festival

• Biancalana Market: antique, craft, and collectible stalls in Piazza Garibaldi, throughout the day.
• District Street Food: each neighborhood offers its own Tuscan culinary specialties, enlivening the squares until late at night.
• Historical Re-enactment of Ser Pietro Biancalana: costumed performers, wine tastings, and local products.
• Cart Race: the challenge between districts, also held in a night-time version, is one of the most spectacular and identity-defining moments.
• Tournaments and children's games, vintage car and motorcycle rallies, workshops, and family entertainment.

The Biancalana Festival is the perfect opportunity to discover the authenticity of Sinalunga and the Valdichiana, away from the major tourist circuits, in a genuine village atmosphere.