Local Events in Tuscany
Upcoming Events
Torrita di Siena and its surrounding areas in Tuscany host a variety of vibrant events throughout the year, including food and music festivals. Here are some notable events to consider and plan your stay at Villa Monarca around.
2025 season events
Torrita Blues Festival
The “Torrita Blues Festival” has been a cornerstone of the global Blues scene since 1989, marking the start of Italy’s summer festival season. Each year, it draws countless Blues enthusiasts from across Italy and Europe to the charming village of Torrita. Renowned for hosting world-class artists, the festival has earned a reputation as one of the most prestigious and beloved events in the music world.
The Palio di Siena
The Palio di Siena is a historic horse race held twice annually in Siena, Italy, on July 2 and August 16. Featuring ten bareback riders and horses, each representing one of the city’s seventeen contrade, or districts, the event is a vibrant display of tradition and competition. The July 2 race, known as the Palio di Provenzano, honors the Madonna of Provenzano, a Marian devotion linked to an icon from the Terzo Camollia. The August 16 race, called the Palio dell’Assunta, celebrates the Assumption of Mary.
Calici di Stelle - Chalices of Stars
Celebrated on August 10 in Montepulciano, this event offers wine tastings under the stars, featuring local vintages and culinary delights. Each neighborhood (Borgo) in town will host food, wine and dance. Buy individual tickets at the main door (porta) and that includes a glass for wine tasting.
Giostra del Saracino - Historical Jousting
Since the most remote times the real occasion for games and public events were religious festivals and the visits and passages of authoritative personalities who involved the entire Sarteano community, both the nobles and the people, in the organization of the celebrations. And among the games played during the festivals, the one that in Sarteano today is best consolidated and documented could not be missing: "La Giostra del Saracino" .
The Palio di Siena
The Palio di Siena is a historic horse race held twice annually in Siena, Italy, on July 2 and August 16. Featuring ten bareback riders and horses, each representing one of the city’s seventeen contrade, or districts, the event is a vibrant display of tradition and competition. The July 2 race, known as the Palio di Provenzano, honors the Madonna of Provenzano, a Marian devotion linked to an icon from the Terzo Camollia. The August 16 race, called the Palio dell’Assunta, celebrates the Assumption of Mary.
Bravìo delle Botti - Barrel Race
A unique barrel-rolling race through the streets of Montepulciano, held in late August.
It is an uphill wine barrel race between the 8 districts – contrade of Montepulciano. The race is held in honor of patron Saint San Giovanni Decollato and preceded by a historical parade of the districts in Medieval dress, to the sound of medieval drums.
Pienza Fiera del Cacio - Cheese Festival
The Gioco del Cacio al Fuso takes place in the main square, where a wooden spindle is placed at its center. The goal is to roll the cheese as close as possible to the spindle. Since the 16th century, six Contradas have competed in this historic game, preserving a cherished tradition that continues to bring the people of Pienza together.
Eroica Bike Race
A vintage-inspired bike ride through the heart of Tuscany. Each year on the first Sunday of October, Gaiole in Chianti comes alive with "L'Eroica", a one-of-a-kind cycling event. Riders don retro attire and hop on vintage bicycles to traverse the scenic white roads of Tuscany. The route showcases the region's stunning landscapes, from the rolling hills of Sienese Chianti to the rugged beauty of the Crete Senesi and the picturesque Val d'Orcia.
Palio dei Somari - Donkey Palio
Held annually in Torrita di Siena, this traditional donkey race is accompanied by historical reenactments and local festivities. The event itself is part of a calendar of events that enliven the week before the Sunday of the race. On the weekend preceding the race, the Taverne, characteristic banquets within the walls of Torrita’s medieval castle, open to the public, where legend is combined with the unique flavours of local food and wine.
