Sagra del Tordo Festival
A historical re-enactment and archery challenge between the four districts of Montalcino
About Sagra del Tordo
One of Tuscany's oldest festivals
The Sagra del Tordo is the quintessential celebration of Montalcino, a village in the province of Siena world-renowned for its Brunello wine and nestled in the hills of the Val d'Orcia, in Tuscany. Established in 1958 to revive the medieval ottobrate—the hunting trips and communal banquets that marked the end of the season—it is now one of the region's longest-running and most heartfelt historical events. Every year, on the last Sunday of October, the historic center transforms into a 15th-century stage filled with banners, drums, and period costumes.
The four districts and the Silver Arrow
The heart of the Sagra is the rivalry between the four districts that divide the town, each with its own colors and emblems: Borghetto (white and red), Pianello (white and blue), Ruga (yellow and blue), and Travaglio (yellow and red). Since 1961, the districts have participated in an organized manner, and since 1962, they have competed in the Archery Tournament: each archer fires five arrows at wild boar targets placed at increasing distances in front of the 14th-century Fortress. The winning district is awarded the famous Silver Arrow, the prize around which all local pride revolves.
The historical pageant and traditions
On Sunday, the village comes alive with the historical pageant: over 150 participants in 15th-century costumes—ladies, soldiers, flag-wavers, and representatives of ancient arts and crafts—parade through the streets to offer traditional gifts to the Podestà . The Trescone folk group also performs, animating the festival with traditional Tuscan dances and songs accompanied by accordions. The Sagra is also linked to the Opening of the Hunts Tournament, which symbolically kicks off the Montalcino event calendar.
The flavors of the Sagra
Beneath the walls of the Fortress and in the gardens of the center, each district sets up its own food stalls where you can taste typical Montalcino dishes: pinci with sauce, pappardelle with hare, mushroom soup, grilled meats, and, of course, the great local wines. It is one of the best opportunities to savor the cuisine of the Val d'Orcia in an authentically popular and village atmosphere.
Why it's worth the trip
More than just a food and wine festival, the Montalcino event is a journey into the collective memory of a municipality that has made tradition its identity. Between the aroma of Brunello, the charm of the Fortress, and the tension of the archery competition, the Sagra del Tordo offers an autumn weekend that combines history, taste, and folklore like few other events in Tuscany.
Sagra del Tordo — edition 2026
The 68th Sagra del Tordo will be held in Montalcino from Friday, October 23 to Sunday, October 25, 2026. The dates have been confirmed by the Municipality of Montalcino, which organizes the event directly alongside the 63rd Opening of the Hunts Tournament. As per tradition, the festival will feature the historical pageant with participants from the four districts—Borghetto, Pianello, Ruga, and Travaglio—the archery competition in front of the Fortress, and performances by the Il Trescone folk group, while food stalls will offer typical Montalcino dishes.
The detailed program for the 2026 edition, including the times for the pageant, the Provaccia, and the final competition, will be published by the Municipality and the districts in the weeks leading up to the event.
Programme Sagra del Tordo 2026
The detailed hourly program for the 68th edition will be announced by the Municipality of Montalcino and the four districts in the weeks preceding the event. According to the traditional structure, the Sagra takes place over three days:
- Friday, October 23 — opening of the event in Piazza del Popolo and presentation of the prize for the winning district.
- Saturday, October 24 — folk performances, pageant, drawing of the archers, and Provaccia (preliminary archery test); opening of the districts' food stalls.
- Sunday, October 25 — the highlight day with the grand historical pageant, the blessing and delivery of the arrows, and the decisive archery competition for the Silver Arrow.
Final names and times will be communicated via the official poster.
Highlights Sagra del Tordo 2026
- Historical pageant with over 150 participants in 15th-century costumes
- Archery tournament between the four districts for the Silver Arrow
- Traditional dances and songs by the Il Trescone group
- Food stalls with pinci, pappardelle with hare, and Val d'Orcia specialties
Prices Sagra del Tordo 2026
Practical information — Sagra del Tordo
How to get there
Montalcino can be reached by car via the SS2 Cassia (Buonconvento exit) or the Siena-Grosseto road. By train, the nearest station is Buonconvento on the Siena-Grosseto line, with bus connections to the village. During the Sunday of the Sagra, a shuttle service operates from the parking lots to the historic center.
Tickets and stalls
Admission to the village and the costume events is free. Tickets are required for the archery tournament and shows (full price 8 euros, reduced 6 euros, free for children under 6), distributed by the four districts. For food stalls, booking is recommended using the contact details provided on each district's flyers.
Tips
Combine your visit with a discovery of the Brunello wineries and the villages of the Val d'Orcia (Pienza, San Quirico d'Orcia). Autumn temperatures are cool: bring appropriate clothing for the evenings.
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Where does it take place — Sagra del Tordo
Fortezza e centro storico di Montalcino
Fortezza di Montalcino, Piazzale Fortezza, 53024 Montalcino