Corsa delle Micce

The Corsa delle Micce, the donkey palio of the Valdichiana

The Corsa delle Micce is a historical re-enactment held in Castiglion Fiorentino, in the province of Arezzo, in the heart of the Tuscan Valdichiana. The traditional event falls on April 25th, the day the community celebrates its patron saint, Mark the Evangelist, and takes place in the La Nave district. "Micce" is the local term for donkeys: they are the true stars of the race, ridden by fierce jockeys defending the colors of their village clubs.

A challenge between districts

The heart of the event is the local rivalry between the village clubs of Castiglion Fiorentino. Seven districts compete for the palio: Altavalle, Boscatello, Brolio, Castroncello, La Nave, Montecchio, and Noceta, each with its own jockey, groom, and team colors. The donkeys are assigned by drawing lots after veterinary checks to ensure fairness among participants: the difference is made by the jockey's skill and a touch of luck.

How the race works

The competition includes two elimination qualifying heats: the best advance to the final, run over several laps of the track, while the others compete in a consolation race. The winner takes home the Palio, a banner painted by artist Serena Pepi, which will be permanently awarded to the club that manages to triumph three times, even if not consecutively. Between tactical shoves, overtakes, and the inevitable controversy, the atmosphere is that of a great Tuscan village festival.

A growing tradition

Building on its popular success, from 2026 the Corsa delle Micce doubles up: in addition to the historic April event in La Nave, a second event is planned for the summer, in August, in the Brolio district, following a rotation among the various areas of the municipality. The event is organized by the Asd-Aps Giostra dei Rioni di Olmo with the M.C.L. La Nave club, under the aegis of the Opes/Isha equestrian sector, and enjoys the patronage of the Municipality of Castiglion Fiorentino and the Ente Palio dei Rioni Castiglionesi.

Why it's worth attending

The Corsa delle Micce is much more than a race: it is a celebration of identity that brings an entire Tuscany village together around a fun and deeply felt tradition. For those visiting the Aretine Valdichiana, it is the perfect opportunity to experience local folklore far from the tourist circuits, immersed in the cheering of the districts and the contagious joy of the Castiglion community.