Farmer's Race of Petroio
Three days of district challenges, rural flavors, and traditions in the village of Petroio
About Farmer's Race
The Farmer's Race of Petroio
In the small and charming village of Petroio, part of the Trequanda municipality in the province of Siena, the Farmer's Race (Corrida del Contadino) takes place every year in mid-June. It is the community's most beloved and anticipated event. Reaching its thirteenth edition in 2026, the festival was created to celebrate the rural culture that has shaped these hills of the Sienese Valdichiana for centuries—a territory also renowned for its ancient terracotta craftsmanship.
The district challenge and the palio
The heart of the festival is the competition between the village's four districts, which face off on Sunday afternoon along the town's streets in a fun and adrenaline-fueled race to win the coveted palio. Each year, the banner is created by a different artist: for the 2026 edition, the palio is the work of Krizia Vannuccini, who depicted a farmer, poppies, wheat, and hands joined under a starry sky. The challenge is preceded by a blessing mass for the districts and a pageant that winds through the historic center.
Traditional flavors
Alongside the competition, the Farmer's Race is also a grand gastronomic celebration. The food and wine stalls feature the stars of local cuisine: handmade pici pasta, snails, and the famous maialata (pork feast) that kicks off the festivities on Friday evening. Local wines and traditional Tuscan specialties are always available to be enjoyed in the square amidst live music and DJ sets.
Art and culture in the village
The event intertwines with Petroio Village of Art, a painting competition that draws artists eager to capture the village's vistas and atmosphere. The 2026 edition is part of the Valdichiana 2026 – Tuscan Capital of Culture initiatives, confirming the festival's identity-defining value for the entire region. Organized by the Società di Mutuo Soccorso of Petroio with the patronage of the Municipality of Trequanda, the Farmer's Race is the perfect opportunity to discover an authentic Tuscan village and its community.
Farmer's Race — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Farmer's Race confirmed Petroio as one of the most vibrant villages in the Sienese Valdichiana. Included in the Valdichiana 2026 – Tuscan Capital of Culture program and organized by the Società di Mutuo Soccorso of Petroio with the patronage of the Municipality of Trequanda, the festival filled the village streets with people for three days. After the pork feast on Friday and the art on Saturday, Sunday saw the most anticipated moment: the race between the four village districts, won by the Contrada del Borgo.
Programme Farmer's Race 2026
Friday, June 12
- Dinner with the legendary maialata in Piazza Padelle
- 21:45 — Live music with Capatost and DJ set
Saturday, June 13
- From morning — Inauguration of the 11th edition of Petroio Village of Art, painting competition
- 16:00 — Inauguration of the Petroio book house at the Giardino di Sant'Andrea
- Food stalls with handmade pici pasta and snails
Sunday, June 14
- 16:00 — Blessing mass for the districts of Petroio and presentation of the palio created by Krizia Vannuccini
- 16:45 — Start of the pageant from Piazza Padelle and beginning of the Farmer's Race through the village streets
- Followed by — Food stalls in Piazza Matteotti and 'Apericontadino' in Piazza Padelle with DJ set and saxophone
Highlights Farmer's Race 2026
Prices Farmer's Race 2026
Practical information — Farmer's Race
When
The Farmer's Race takes place in mid-June over three days (from Friday to Sunday). The 2026 edition was held from June 12th to 14th.
Where
Petroio, a village in Trequanda (SI), in the heart of the Sienese Valdichiana. Events take place in the historic center, particularly in Piazza Padelle and Piazza Matteotti.
How to get there
Petroio can be reached by car from Siena (about 45 km) or from the Valdichiana-Bettolle exit on the A1 motorway. We recommend parking in the areas outside the village and walking to the historic center.
Admission
Access to the festival and events is free. Food stalls charge according to the current price list.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Noticed an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Where does it take place — Farmer's Race
Borgo di Petroio
Piazza Padelle, 53020 Trequanda