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.
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.