Summer in Valdichiana Senese: the events not to be missed

Corsa delle Brocche (Race of the Pitchers) - July
Synchronism, endurance and physical strength: these are the characteristics of the athletes who compete for victory each year, carrying pitchers full of water. The Race of the Pitchers, a speed race between contrade, takes place in July in the main square of the village and hosts numerous other events in addition to this curious historical re-enactment.

Music Festival - August

The Festival takes place inside Fucoli Thermal Park in Chianciano Terme, one of Italy’s most beautiful parks, which covers more than four hectares: the food and wine and music festival is now in its 22nd edition and has seen artists, such as Mondo Marcio, Giuliano Palma and Bowland perform on its stage.

ViviChianciano (LiveChianciano) - second and third weekends of September

Two weekends discovering Chianciano and Valdichiana area, between walks, horseback rides, wine and food tastings, relaxation and fun at the thermal baths.
Visits to wineries and tastings must be booked.

Tria Turris – Festival of Street Performers in the Middle Ages - June

A busy weekend to immerse yourself in the medieval atmosphere of Chiusi, with juggling shows and music. On Sunday not to be missed is the grand historical parade and the Palio delle Torri, a competition between terzieri in which three towers (weighing about a quintal) are carried on the shoulders by four people through the historic center until they reach the picturesque setting of Piazza del Duomo.

Lars Rock Fest - July

An event that includes many musicians taking turns on stage, but also side events, such as workshops, presentations, the “Open Book - the Independent Publishing Fair”, the Disco Market and a Street Market.

Cantiere Internazionale d’Arte di Montepulciano (Montepulciano International Art Workshop) - July

In the heart of summer, a now well-known event featuring concerts, theater performances, operas, meetings, lectures and workshops in the most picturesque locations in Montepulciano and the 9 villages of Valdichiana Senese.

Calici di Stelle (Glass of Stars) - August 10

On the night of St. Lorenzo, Montepulciano comes alive with traveling tastings and guided tastings in exclusive locations. A great opportunity to taste dozens of Nobile and Rosso di Montepulciano wine labels.

Bravìo delle Botti - last Sunday of August

A whole week of events leading up to the final day on Sunday with the running of “Bravìo delle Botti”, the historical re-enactment in which the eight town districts compete for the painted cloth.

Festa del Vino di Palazzone (Palazzone Wine Festival) - July

Every year on the last week of July, Palazzone celebrates the wine festival: a unique opportunity to taste the best labels produced in the area, which has always had a special vocation for wine-making traditions.

Palio di San Cassiano - the Sunday closest to August 13

First the historical procession in Renaissance-era clothing that winds its way through the streets of the village, then the popular games that take place in the central Piazza Matteotti, the hub of the challenges between the four contrade: the sack race, the pentolaccia, the cuccagna pole and the jug race, until the final race, which consists of pushing a wheelbarrow on which there is a frog that must not jump out.

Giostra del Saracino - August 14 rehearsals - August 15 historical procession and Joust of the Saracen

The Joust of the Saracen has been held continuously since 1712, but there are records from before 1583 of this event being held occasionally.
As per tradition, before the proper Joust on August 15, there is rehearsals on the 14th and the Tratta dei Bossoli (the Draw of Ballot boxes) on the 11th.
The Joust is a dispute between the five contrade and re-enacts the knights’ fight against the Saracen, the Arab ravager who long frightened the Christians.

Sarteano Jazz&Blues - August

The music festival under the banner of jazz and blues that takes place in the historic center of Sarteano, which each year sees great local and international artists enliven the village’s most iconic squares with their music.

L’Incantaborgo - July

Acrobats on stilts alternate with illusionists and quick-change performers for an event featuring artists from Sinalunga’s two sister cities: Ay-Champagne and Dorking.

Musical performances, dance, rhythmic gymnastics, photography and painting exhibitions and guided tours of the tunnels of Fonte del Castagno and the Etruscan Rooms of Larth.

Extravaganza Birranthology Festival in Scrofiano - August

The extravaganza festival held in Scrofiano, a village a few kilometers from Sinalunga, features three evenings of music accompanied by a wide selection of craft beers.

Torrita Blues - June

The rhythm of the blues is the protagonist in Piazza Matteotti in Torrita di Siena, where Torrita Blues takes place at the end of June.
An event that every year attracts fans of the genre and beyond, thanks in part to the prominent names that take turns on stage.

Torrita Biodiversità - Festa dell’Agri Cultura (Biodiversity Torrita - Agri Culture Festival) - September

Conferences, exhibitions, meetings with agribusiness professionals and other dedicated initiatives for a full immersion in the theme of “biodiversity”.

Tre Gotti al Campino (Three Glasses at Campino) - August

Beer and independent music festival at Ornella Pancirolli Park in Trequanda. On stage, local emerging bands and artists already established on the Italian independent music scene. A food stand with typical products is also open every evening at the park.

These are just a few of the initiatives taking place in the nine Municipalities of Valdichiana Senese; to stay updated on all the other events, just follow the Facebook page of Strada del Vino Nobile di Montepulciano e dei Sapori della Valdichiana Senese.