Two weeks of celebration to celebrate the Madonna delle Grazie del Rivaio, with engaging events for the whole family:
Challenge at the last race: the three districts of the village - Cassero, Porta Fiorentina and Porta Romana - compete in a breathtaking horse race in the arena of Piazza Garibaldi.
A plunge into the past: you watch the historical parade with costumed extras, flag-wavers and musicians marching through the streets of the historic center.
Emotions and flavors: you take part in the good-luck dinners in the neighborhoods and taste the typical dishes of Arezzo's tradition.
Not just the Palio: discover the beauty of Castiglion Fiorentino, a village rich in history and art, with its splendid Palazzo Comunale and the Church of San Francesco.
An unforgettable experience: let yourself be carried away by the magic of the Palio dei Rioni and live an adventure in the heart of medieval Tuscany.
Palio Sunday begins with the celebration of Mass at the Church of Madonna delle Grazie del Rivaio, the spiritual landmark of the event. At the end of the service, the parish priest blesses the horses and jockeys, officially opening the day. In the afternoon, around 3 p.m., the majestic Historical Procession takes place, a parade in which the Rioni move through the city center's streets in medieval and Renaissance costumes, accompanied by the sound of drums and the swirling of flags. The procession starts from Piazza del Municipio and heads toward Piazzale Garibaldi, where, at 6:45 p.m., a mortar shot announces the imminent start of the race. This signal calls the Rioni to get ready, because at 7 p.m. the horses and their jockeys enter the track, ready to compete for victory under the watchful eye of the Mossiere. The adrenaline rises until the correct "move" signals the start of the competition. After an exciting race, the winning Rione receives the Palio and the city erupts in an explosion of joy and celebrations. The charm of the race involves not only the inhabitants of Castiglion Fiorentino, who experience the event with passion and pride, but also visitors, who have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a unique and authentic experience in the heart of Tuscany.