Opening of the Hunts Tournament
The historic archery competition between the districts of Montalcino
About Opening of the Hunts
A re-enactment that brings the Middle Ages to life in Montalcino
Every year, in early August, the village of Montalcino—world-famous for its Brunello wine and perched on the hills of the Val d'Orcia in the province of Siena—transforms into an open-air stage for the Opening of the Hunts Tournament. It is one of the two major identity festivals of the local community, alongside the Thrush Festival held in autumn, and symbolically celebrates the opening of the hunting season as it was observed between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
The four competing districts
The heart of the event is the archery competition, which sees the four historic districts of the town—Borghetto, Pianello, Ruga, and Travaglio, names derived from the village's ancient topography—face off. The archers, dressed in period costumes, shoot their arrows at wild boar targets placed at increasing distances (from 25 to 45 meters), vying for the gold medal of Montalcino and a unique work of art created each year by a local artist. The winning district earns the prestige of victory for a year and the right to choose the lane and shooting distance for the following edition.
The historical pageant and the festival atmosphere
The competitive aspect is framed by a rich historical re-enactment. Figures in costume, ladies and knights, flag-wavers, drummers, and trumpeters parade through the village streets, while a mounted herald announces the festival throughout the four districts. The historical pageant, which starts from Piazza Cavour, reaches the 14th-century Fortress, where the ceremony of the delivery of the arrows and the archers' salute take place before the decisive challenge. The event also features performances by folk groups, the blessing of the archers at the church of Sant'Egidio, and traditional district dinners that enliven the evenings.
A popular and identity-defining tradition
More than just a competition, the Opening of the Hunts is a moment of strong cohesion for the Montalcino community: each district prepares for the event for months, sewing costumes, training archers, and organizing their own banquets. For visitors, it is the perfect opportunity to discover one of the most charming medieval villages in Tuscany, experiencing an authentic event far from the main tourist flows, perhaps accompanied by a glass of Brunello in the local cellars.
Opening of the Hunts — edition 2026
The 63rd edition of the Opening of the Hunts Tournament is confirmed in Montalcino from August 7th to 9th, 2026. The organization, managed directly by the Municipality of Montalcino together with the four districts, began in the spring of 2026 as part of the city's Identity Festivals.
The detailed day-by-day program, including the times for the historical pageant, the drawing of the archers, and the archery competition, will be announced by the Municipality in the weeks leading up to the event. As per tradition, the festival includes the presentation of the artwork destined for the winning district, the historical pageant in costume from Piazza Cavour to the Fortress, the blessing of the archers in the church of Sant'Egidio, and the decisive challenge with arrows shot at wild boar targets at increasing distances.
Programme Opening of the Hunts 2026
The detailed program for the 63rd edition will be published by the Municipality of Montalcino in the weeks preceding the event. Based on past editions, the event is traditionally spread over three days:
- Friday - Presentation in Piazza del Popolo of the artwork destined for the winning district.
- Saturday - Performance of folk groups in the square, drawing of the archers announced by drums and trumpets, historical pageant towards the shooting field, and the "provaccia" (trial competition).
- Sunday - The mounted herald announces the festival in the four districts; in the afternoon, historical pageant from Piazza Cavour, blessing of the archers in the church of Sant'Egidio in Piazza Garibaldi, ceremony of the delivery of the arrows at the Fortress, and the decisive archery competition that determines the champion district.
Highlights Opening of the Hunts 2026
- The archery competition between the Borghetto, Pianello, Ruga, and Travaglio districts
- The historical pageant in costume towards the 14th-century Fortress
- Flag-wavers, drummers, and trumpeters through the village streets
- The blessing of the archers and the delivery of the arrows
Prices Opening of the Hunts 2026
Practical information — Opening of the Hunts
Getting there
Montalcino can be reached by car from Siena (about 40 km) along the SS2 Cassia and SP14 roads. The nearest train station is Buonconvento, which is connected to Montalcino by local buses. The reference airports are Florence and Pisa.
Tickets
Access to the stands to watch the archery competition requires a ticket: full price 8 euros, reduced 6 euros, free for children under 6. The historical pageant and other entertainment in the village center are free of charge.
Tips
It is recommended to arrive early to secure a good seat and to stroll through the historic center. In August, it is advisable to book accommodation well in advance, given the high tourist turnout in the lands of Brunello.
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Where does it take place — Opening of the Hunts
Fortezza di Montalcino