Palio dei Somari: the 2024 edition will start in a few hours

Some advice for those traveling to Torrita di Siena on the occasion of the curious historical re-enactment

It is the most awaited event of the year for the community of Torrita di Siena, the donkey race that fills the streets of the village but also excites outside the medieval walls. For 2024, the Palio dei Somari takes place between Saturday 16th and Sunday 24th March. As per tradition, the competition is held on the Sunday following Saint Joseph (March 19), protector of carpenters and therefore the city’s patron saint, in homage to the long artisan tradition of Torrita di Siena.

There are 8 districts competing against each other, representing the entire town; unlike other historical re-enactments, in fact, in Torrita di Siena it was decided to extend the districts’ territory beyond the historic centre. Cavone, Contrada Stazione, Refenero and Fonti have been added to the 4 original districts, Porta a Sole, Porta a Pago, Porta Gavina and Porta Nova (corresponding to the four access gates to the old city).

The fervent preparations that mark the months preceding the Palio lead to an event with a structured program, which includes initiatives addressed both to locals and to those who are traveling and wish to discover Torrita di Siena in an authentic way.

A few tips:

In the first weekend of the Palio (Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th March), performances by street artists enliven the central Piazza Matteotti. Worth noting is the falconry show that will mark the day of Sunday 17th March, scheduled for the morning and also repeated in the afternoon.
On Sunday 17th March, Torrita di Siena becomes the ideal destination for even the youngest guests: the usual appointment with “Somarando” will be held at the Parco della Rimembranza, the perfect opportunity to get to know the docile animal protagonist of the historical re-enactment.
The first weekend of the Palio is also characterized by the Taverns: on Saturday evening and on Sunday (lunch and dinner) it will be possible to taste traditional flavors in the streets of the historic centre.
One of the most awaited moments of the entire week will take place on the eve of the Palio, on Saturday 23rd March: flag-wavers and drummers from the 8 districts will compete in an exciting night-time competition in Piazza Matteotti.
On the last Sunday of the event, the daily program begins in the morning, with the historical procession, set to begin around 12 p.m. The competition will be in full swing at 3.30 p.m., with entry to the Gioco del Pallone square (adjacent to the city walls) of the districts and the Palio. The race is scheduled to start at 4 p.m. Who wins the Palio, the painted cloth warded to the winner? The district whose donkey manages to complete four laps of the race track first.

The complete program of the event is available on the official website by clicking here.