Palio delle Rocche of Guazzino
The chariot race between the three contrade of Guazzino, in the heart of the Sienese Valdichiana
About Palio delle Rocche
A festival of devotion and local pride
The Palio delle Rocche is the most cherished event in Guazzino, a village in the municipality of Sinalunga, in the province of Siena, nestled in the heart of the Sienese Valdichiana. Every spring, this small Tuscan hamlet buzzes for weeks with events that culminate in the spectacular chariot race, a fierce competition between the three local districts that draws residents, former inhabitants, and enthusiasts from across the region.
Origins: From distaffs to the Madonna delle Grazie
The festival's name is rooted in an ancient Valdichiana custom: local girls would offer their rocche (distaffs)—the tools used for spinning hemp or silk—to the Madonna. Devotion to the Madonna delle Grazie intensified in the 18th century, when the people of Guazzino, Sinalunga, Bettolle, and Pieve di Sinalunga attributed their survival during an epidemic to her intercession, vowing to make an annual pilgrimage to the sanctuary. Until 1968, the festival remained purely religious in nature.
1969 and the birth of the contrade
In 1969, following local population growth, Guazzino was divided into three contrade (districts), each with its own color: Casaccia (red), Fontana (yellow), and Le Torri (green). Since then, these three rivals have competed annually in the chariot race to win the palio: a painting by a local artist depicting the Madonna delle Grazie protecting the village and its three districts.
The chariot race
The highlight of the festival is the chariot race, held in the town center. The carts, built to resemble ancient Roman chariots, are pulled by a pair of athletes while each district's lanciere (spearman) must thread three rings along the course. It is a test of strength, skill, and precision that ignites the crowd and determines the year's winning district.
Tradition and folklore of the Valdichiana
Beyond the race, the Palio delle Rocche is an opportunity to rediscover the popular traditions of the Sienese Valdichiana: the historical procession, performances by the flag-wavers, the solemn Holy Mass in honor of the Madonna delle Grazie, and numerous social gatherings. Throughout the festival, a food stand is set up in the public gardens of Guazzino, serving Tuscan specialties—above all, the famous steak—accompanied by entertainment and live music in a truly authentic village atmosphere.
Palio delle Rocche — edition 2026
The 2026 edition confirmed the charm of one of the most beloved festivals in the Sienese Valdichiana. After weeks of initiatives, the chariot race on Sunday, April 19th, crowned the Le Torri district, whose spearman managed to thread all three rings while driving the chariot pulled by a pair of athletes. Second place went to Fontana, and third to Casaccia. The prize painting, created by local artist Jasmine Baccheschi, depicted the Madonna delle Grazie protecting the entire village represented by the three districts.
Programme Palio delle Rocche 2026
Eve events
- Friday, April 10 — Opening of the food stand in the public gardens of Guazzino (operating for most of the festival period).
- Sunday, April 12 — Ecological walk meeting at 9:00 AM, with "Walk & Clean" workshops for children.
- Thursday, April 16 — The "Provaccia", a preliminary race between the districts.
- In the days leading up to the final — nocturnal historical procession.
Sunday, April 19 — Palio Day
- Morning — Solemn Holy Mass in honor of the Madonna delle Grazie.
- Historical procession with the flag-wavers group.
- Afternoon — Tombola in the square.
- 6:30 PM — Chariot race in the town center, the final act of the event.
Highlights Palio delle Rocche 2026
Prices Palio delle Rocche 2026
Practical information — Palio delle Rocche
Getting there
Guazzino is a village in Sinalunga (SI), in the Sienese Valdichiana. By car, take the Valdichiana exit on the A1 Milan-Rome motorway and continue toward Sinalunga. By train, the reference station is Sinalunga, on the Siena-Chiusi line.
When
The festival takes place in spring and spans several weeks of events; the chariot race, the final event, is held on a Sunday in the town center.
Admission and dining
Participation in the Palio events and the chariot race is free. The food stand in the public gardens of Guazzino is open for most of the festival period.
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Where does it take place — Palio delle Rocche
Guazzino (frazione di Sinalunga)