Palio delle Contrade of Piancastagnaio

The Palio delle Contrade of Piancastagnaio

In the heart of Mount Amiata, at the southern edge of the province of Siena, the town of Piancastagnaio celebrates its Palio delle Contrade every August, one of the most deeply felt historical re-enactments in this corner of Tuscany. This is no mere village festival: it is the very identity of the town being renewed, with a bareback horse race—ridden without a saddle—that ignites the spirit of the four districts and the entire Amiata community.

The Four Contrade

The Palio pits the four historic districts against each other, each with its own colors and emblem:

• Borgo — yellow and blue, with a rampant horse;
• Castello — red and green, with a two-towered castle;
• Coro — red and black, with an eagle with open wings (formerly known as Stretto);
• Voltaia — black and white, with an oak tree under an arched doorway.

The territorial boundaries of the districts were redefined in 1979, and since 1981, each district has chosen its own horse, giving the competition the form we know today.

A Month of Celebration, August 1st to 18th

The festivities span the entire month of August. The Night of the Flags, on August 1st, marks the official opening of the Palio period. On August 12th, in Piazza della Rocca, the Rector of the Magistrato delle Contrade solemnly presents the Statutes, while drummers and flag-wavers compete for the prestigious Asta e Bacchetta award. On the evening of August 16th, a striking procession accompanies the tribute to the Madonna di San Pietro, to whom the festival is devoutly linked.

The Race on August 18th

The climax arrives on August 18th, the day of the race itself, held at the Madonna di San Pietro Equestrian Park. The jockeys ride bareback, and the four districts launch into the race to capture the Cencio, the hand-painted banner. The district that distinguishes itself with the best behavior throughout the festival period is awarded the Cupello, a ceramic plate crafted by an artist.

History and Tradition

The roots of the Palio date back to 18th-century district documents, but the modern version was born in 1954; after an interruption, it has been held consistently since 1979. The bond with the Madonna di San Pietro recalls the consecration of the church in 1948, weaving religious devotion and district pride into one great Amiata popular festival.

Why Experience It

For those visiting Tuscany away from the most crowded circuits, the Palio of Piancastagnaio is an opportunity to discover the authenticity of Mount Amiata: district dinners, costume parades, drums echoing through stone alleys, and a sporting rivalry lived with genuine passion. An event that tells the story of this Sienese village better than any guidebook.