Donkey Palio in Torrita di Siena (Palio dei Somari) 2025

Where: About 80km South East of Florence, ,
When: Sunday, March 23, 2025
Donkey-palio in Torrita di Siena - Photo courtesy of Associazione Sagra San Giuseppe
Donkey-palio in Torrita di Siena
Photo courtesy of Associazione Sagra San Giuseppe

Torrita di Siena, a little Middle Ages town, is located in Toscany about 80 km south east to Florence. The city holds, once a year, a donkey race (palio).
The idea of this traditional event, which started in 1966, was the will of the 7,000 town’s residents that most of them work in the wood and metal industry, to celebrate and praise St. Josef who is known as the workers and carpenters patron and as a symbol to work and simplicity.

Like every year, hotel rooms are in high demand with surging prices during Palio day. Therefore, it is highly recommended to book lodging accommodations ahead of time to enjoy preferable, better rates.

The donkeys present the plainness and work atmosphere of Torrita di Siena residents. The special race combines the saint holiday with the joy of the people. This is a queer and funny race.

Part of the donkeys does not pay attention to their riders and stop or even walk to the opposite direction. The first rider who reachs the end point is the winner. Riders from all eight neighborhoods of the town; Porta a Pago, Porta a Sole, Porta Gavina, Porta Nova, – Le Fonti, Stazione Refenero and Cavone participate in the palio.

Every representative wears Middle Ages cloths and holds the flag and the logo of his neighborhood. The palio is held in the afternoon.

Thousands of Italians and tourists reach the town to enjoy this amazing event.

For accommodations, check the most recommended hotels in Torrita di Siena and around, most of them suggest FREE CANCELLATION option or NO PREPAYMENT NEEDED – PAY AT THE PROPERTY:
Accommodations around Torrita di Siena :
Booking.com

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Event Related Information

Contact details:
Torrita di Siena Municipality
Ph.: +39 0577686303
Associazione Sagra San Giuseppe
Phone: +39 0577/686571
Contact Email:

For your attention !

IMPORTANT !
As unforeseen circumstances can arise, the details of events are subject to change. We highly recommend checking with the organizers before making any travel arrangements to ensure up-to-date information.

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  • Amazing race

    This year the  Donkey Palio in Torrita Di Siena was amazing, if you travel to Italy you should not miss this wonderful race.

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