The Palio dei Somari is back with two days of events
The 64th edition of the historic event takes place on September 26th
It is finally time for the Palio dei Somari in Torrita di Siena. The event, which is dedicated to St. Joseph since 1966, takes usually place on the first Sunday following March 19th, but this year was exceptionally scheduled for September 26th.
The “Palio dei Somari” is certainly the festival par excellence of the Torrita people, who in 1966 wanted to create a popular festival in honor of St. Joseph, the patron Saint of carpenters (a professional category that is particularly active in this village). The festival, dedicated both to the holy worker and to the humble and docile animal (somari means donkeys), was born with the intention of enhancing two fundamental components of man’s work: effort and simplicity. Thus, since the first edition was held precisely on the occasion of the feast of St. Joseph, he has to be painted in every palio. The 8 contrade (districts) of Torrita di Siena: Porta a Pago, Porta a Sole, Porta Gavina, Porta Nova, Le Fonti, Stazione, Refenero and Cavone. Each of these has its own color, its own crest, and its own impeccable period clothing, inspired by mid-fifteenth century. The event itself is included in a broader calendar of events consisting of various initiatives and aggregative moments, such as the opening to the public of the taverns in the historic center, the draw and matching of the batteries of competition in the presence of the Mayor and the Presidents of the districts, theatrical performances, themed conferences and exhibitions, and propitiatory dinners in the headquarters of the districts.
This year, however, in order to accomplish all the measures provided forhte covid-19 protocol, the Sagra San Giuseppe Association has prepared a calendar of events that focuses on one weekend only and does not include the holding of the Taverns.
Program:
Saturday September 25th 2021
16.30 | Gioco del Pallone: Extraction of the batteries of the Race, Festival of the young flag-wavers and drummers
21.00 | Gioco del Pallone: Presentation and blessing of the Palio
9.30 | Gioco del Pallone: Match in pairs between the flag-wavers and the drummers of the Contrade
Sunday September 26th 2021
9.00 am | Entrance of the Contrade in the historic center
10.00 am | Collegiate Church of Saints Martino and Costanzo: Holy Mass for the members of the eight Contrade
12.00 pm | Gioco del Pallone: Arrival of the historical procession and exhibition of the flag-wavers and drummers of the Contrade
15.30 | Gioco del Pallone: Entrance of the Contrade and the Palio in the competition field
16.00 | Game of the Ball: it starts the race of The Palio 2021
The public will be able to access the numbered and spaced seats provided in the Balloon Game area.
For all events on Saturday and Sunday mornings, which are free to enter while seats are available, no reservation is required, but only the display of the Green Pass at the entrance; to attend the race, however, it is also mandatory to book and buy the ticket at the Contrada of belonging.
All appointments will be broadcast live on TV and on the social pages of the event.
Learn more about the parade on the website www.paliodeisomari.it
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