Donkey Palio
The historical re-enactment that ushers in spring in the Valdichiana Senese
About Donkey Palio
The Donkey Palio of Torrita di Siena
The Donkey Palio is the signature event of Torrita di Siena, a hilltop village in the Valdichiana Senese, in the province of Siena, in the heart of Tuscany. Every year in March, the historic center comes alive for over a week of events, culminating in the donkey race—a playful yet fiercely competitive challenge between the town's eight districts.
A tradition born in 1966
The festival has its roots in the Saint Joseph Festival, established in 1966 and linked to the patron saint of carpenters, a trade historically widespread in Torrita. Since that first edition, the event has grown into one of the most beloved spring appointments in the Sienese area, now organized by the Associazione Sagra San Giuseppe ETS. 2026 marks the 69th edition, a year made even more special by the sixtieth anniversary of the Palio's inception.
The eight districts
The town is divided into eight districts that vie for the painted banner: Porta a Pago, Refenero, Cavone, Le Fonti, Porta a Sole, Porta Gavina, Porta Nova, and Stazione. Each district fields its own jockey and donkey, and throughout the festival, they open their own taverns, where visitors can enjoy Tuscan cuisine amidst the songs and colors of the districts.
The race on tufa
The highlight is the donkey race, held on Sunday afternoon in the Gioco del Pallone arena, on its characteristic tufa surface. Preceded by qualifying heats, a historical costume pageant, and a blessing, the race determines the winning district amidst the enthusiasm of the entire village. In 2025, the Contrada Cavone triumphed.
Re-enactment, flag-wavers, and folklore
Beyond the race, the Donkey Palio offers a rich calendar: historical pageants with participants in period costumes, flag-waver and drummer competitions, street performances, fireworks, children's activities at the Parco della Rimembranza, and the essential propitiatory dinners in the districts. An experience that captures the most authentic soul of lesser-known Tuscany, far from mass tourism routes.
Why it's worth the trip
Visiting Torrita di Siena during the Palio means immersing yourself in a genuine community celebration, where district rivalry coexists with Tuscan hospitality. The Municipality of Torrita di Siena, nestled between Montepulciano, Sinalunga, and Cortona, is also an excellent base for discovering the villages and wines of the Valdichiana.
Donkey Palio — edition 2026
2026 Edition
The 69th edition of the Donkey Palio enlivened Torrita di Siena from March 12 to 22, 2026. The official opening was held on Thursday, March 12, at 9:00 PM at the Sala Abbozzi di Palio. The two weekends featured historical pageants, children's activities at the Parco della Rimembranza, street performances, fireworks, and the opening of the eight district taverns.
Among the highlights were the flag-waver and drummer competition and the blessing of the jockeys. The donkey race took place on Sunday, March 22, at 4:00 PM on the tufa track of the Gioco del Pallone, preceded by Mass and the historical pageant. The 2026 edition held special significance, marking sixty years of the Palio.
Programme Donkey Palio 2026
2026 Program
- Thu, March 12, 9:00 PM — Official opening at the Sala Abbozzi di Palio
- Sat, March 14 — Unveiling of the palio, historical re-enactment, drawing of the heats, and opening of the eight taverns
- Sun, March 15 — Family Day, children's activities, and young flag-wavers' festival
- Tue, March 17 — Quizzes and playful moments between the districts
- Thu, March 19 — Saint Joseph Mass and blessing of the jockeys' jerseys
- Fri, March 20 — Propitiatory dinners in the districts
- Sat, March 21 — Flag-waver and drummer competition, blessing of the palio
- Sun, March 22, 4:00 PM — Historical pageant, Mass, and donkey race at the Gioco del Pallone
Highlights Donkey Palio 2026
- Donkey race on the tufa of the Gioco del Pallone (Sun, March 22, 4:00 PM)
- Challenge between the eight districts: Porta a Pago, Refenero, Cavone, Le Fonti, Porta a Sole, Porta Gavina, Porta Nova, Stazione
- Historical costume pageant and flag-waver/drummer competition
- District taverns serving Tuscan cuisine
- Commemorative edition for the 60th anniversary of the Palio
Prices Donkey Palio 2026
Practical information — Donkey Palio
How to get there
By car: Torrita di Siena can be reached from the A1 motorway, Valdichiana exit, then the Siena-Bettolle link road, taking the Torrita di Siena exit. By train: Torrita di Siena-Montepulciano station on the Florence-Rome line (Torrita stop). During peak days, the Municipality provides a free shuttle service to the historic center.
Tickets and taverns
Most events in the historic center are free to access. For the race and dinners in the district taverns, it is recommended to check the official website and book your table. Information on tickets, parking, and shuttles is available at www.paliodeisomari.it.
Where to stay
Agritourisms and accommodation facilities are widespread in the Valdichiana Senese; Montepulciano, Sinalunga, and Pienza offer further options a short distance away.
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Where does it take place — Donkey Palio
Centro storico e Gioco del Pallone