Palio di Casole d’Elsa

Tomorrow Sunday July 8th takes place the ancient Palio di Casole d’Elsa.

A bit of history

The Palio dates back to ancient times when Casole was under the control of Siena in the Middle Ages. as matter of fact horse races where very common at that time and took place at the end of the annual celebrations for the patron. And Casole used to run its Palio to celebrate San Isidoro, on the second Sunday in July.

At the beginning it was run by farms and not by contrade, since San Isidoro protects farmers. Nowadays the 6 contrade of the city run the Palio and fight each other in this beautiful horse race. Unlike the Palio di Siena, this palio has the start and the arrival located in a different part of the track. Jockeys ride bareback and run along a special and difficult track, that climbs the hill. The first contrada crossing the line wins the Drappelloneor Palio, that is an hand-painted fabric.

The 138° Palio diCasole program

On Sunday morning at 10am opens the arts and crafts market where you can also buy typical products.

At 10am takes place the flag-throwers and drummers show and reach the main church for the blessing mass at 10.30am.

At 4pm starts the colorful costume pageant walking around the city. Flag-throwers show and assignment of Vessillo.

At 6pm the blessing of the jockeys and horses in Piazza della Libertà.

At 7pm starts the Palio horse race

At 8pm medieval dinner that will be celebrated with fireworks at 8.45pm.

Free entrance.