Palio del Cero

The Palio del Cero: The pride of Volterra's districts

In the heart of Volterra, an ancient Etruscan town perched among the hills of the Pisa province in Tuscany, the Palio del Cero is one of the community's most cherished events. Every year on June 2nd, the stunning Piazza dei Priori becomes the stage for a fierce competition between the eight city districts, all vying for the prestigious candle in a contest that blends physical strength, tradition, and local identity.

A one-of-a-kind competition

The Palio del Cero is no mere tug-of-war. Each district fields a team of eight pullers (six men and two women) tasked with hauling a massive wooden tower weighing several hundred kilograms toward their designated zone. The tower is topped with the ceremonial candle that gives the event its name. Rival teams do not just resist; the goal is to drag the imposing structure toward their side in a collective display of strategy, strength, and endurance that electrifies the crowd and the local supporters.

The eight competing districts

The historic districts of Volterra battling for the title are: San Giusto, Sant'Agnolo, Sant'Alessandro – Porta all'Arco, Porta a Selci, Santo Stefano, Saline Moje Regis, and Villamagna—the latter being the most decorated in the event's history. Each district brings its own colors, banners, and passion, turning the race into a celebration of belonging that involves entire families and generations.

Medieval roots

The event traces its roots back to medieval celebrations where districts would donate large quantities of wax to the city's churches as a gesture of devotion and prestige. From this ancient religious custom, the modern Palio was born, keeping the bond between Volterra and its history alive. The candle, awarded to the winning district along with the red-and-white municipal banner, is painted annually by a local Volterra artist, renewing the dialogue between popular tradition and local art.

The historical pageant and flag-wavers

Before the race, the districts parade through the city center in a historical pageant featuring Renaissance costumes: representatives of the districts, ladies, musicians, and the renowned Volterra flag-wavers accompany the event, treating visitors to a spectacle of colors, drums, and flying flags. It is the perfect opportunity to discover one of Tuscany's most fascinating towns, with its Etruscan walls, medieval alleys, and unmistakable alabaster craftsmanship.