The Magnificent 7 of Folklore

From the Palio di Siena to Bravio delle Botti in Montepulciano, major historic festivals in Tuscany in August and September

Selected for you the most passionate jousts and tournaments of medieval chivalric tradition or event-style popular in the summer may be the opportunity of a diversion for your holidays in Tuscany.

AUGUST

1. Bruscello in Montepulciano
From 12 to 15 of August, Montepulciano (Siena), Piazza Grande, one of the most famous examples of popular theater, the Bruscello, starts at 21.30.

2. Giostra del Saracino in Sarteano
The 15 of August runs is the Giostra del Saracino Sarteano (Siena), equestrian game that recalls the fight against the robber knights Arabic (Il Saracino). In the representation, the enemy is made up of a typical wooden statue, half-length, arranged on a support that makes it swivel. The Knights 'Giostratori' of 5 Contradas gallop against it trying to put the rod with a ring with a diameter of 7 cm spot on the shield.

3. Palio di Siena (known as Palio dell’Assunta)
On the 16th of August there is the Palio of the Assumption in the Piazza del Campo in Siena, one of the most important folkloric events in Italy. In the beautiful Piazza del Campo compete on horseback ten of the seventeen districts of the city. For this edition 2013 they are: Onda, Tartuca, Selva Torre, Nicchio, Chiocciola, Lupa, Bruco, Aquila and Oca. A great show of infinite charm over the years, of great emotional impact, which can not be forgotten by those lucky enough to be able to assist ... Drum roll, flags waving, the Festival begins ...

4. Volterra A.D.1398
The third and fourth Sunday of the month in Volterra (Pisa), horses, knights, flag throwers and archers, musicians and jesters for the party Volterra AD1398.

5. Bravio delle botti in Montepulciano
The last Sunday of August is held in Montepulciano (Siena) bravio of the barrel, an ancient race between the districts of the city that runs along the course, eight barrels of capacity 5 hectoliters are pushed uphill for nearly 2 km, a painted cloth, the bravio, is the prize for the winners.

SEPTEMBER

6. Astiludio in Volterra
The first Sunday of September in Volterra (Pisa) for Astiludio, featuring the famous flag-wavers of Volterra.

7. Giostra del Saracino in Arezzo
The 4th of August Giostra del Saracino in Arezzo (called 'Madonna' to distinguish it from that of June 18, called San Donato) in Piazza Grande is one of the knights' oldest and best known of Tuscany. It takes place in Arezzo from the thirteenth century.