On Sunday, 22 September, Valiano, a hamlet in the heart of Montepulciano, will host the 45th edition of the “Palio dei Carretti” race, along with the “Sagra del Ciambello e del Vin Santo”, a festival taking its name from two of the main products of the local rural tradition.
The carretti [small carts] are made of wooden planks and have ball bearing wheels. Driving them along the downhill road, stretching out from the town centre to the Canale della Chiana, requires great skills and recklessness.
The race is preceded by two days full of events.
* Friday, 20 September, at 6 p.m., start of the “Sagra del Vin Santo e del Ciambello”; at 9 p.m., traditional “Corteo Storico dei Ceri” historical parade and performance by the “Gruppo Sbandieratori e Tamburini di Montepulciano”, the flag-wavers and drummers’ group that usually performs at the “Bravìo delle Botti”. At 10 p.m., presentation of the Palio [Banner] and of the drivers.
* Saturday 21, from 8 p.m., “Bacco, Taverne e Dolcezze delle Contrade”, an itinerant dinner in the old town of Valiano; from 9 p.m. onwards, musical entertainment.
* Sunday 22, at 11 a.m., Holy Mass of the Contrade [Districts]; at 12.30 p.m., blessing of the carretti and of the drivers. Then, race heats will be drawn. At 2 p.m., traditional historical parade and performance by the “Gruppo Sbandieratori e Tamburini del Bravìo delle Botti di Montepulciano”. The 45th “Palio dei Carretti” will start at 5 p.m. At 7 p.m., the Palio will be awarded to the winning Contrada. At 8 p.m., dinner at the “Arci di Valiano” stand and lottery draw.
For more information, please contact G.S. La Rocca, tel.: +39 0578724184