Palio delle Botti Manciano

The last weekend of August, the village of Manciano hosts one of the most heartfelt events … the Palio delle Botti.

Born only in 2009, the palio in a few years has managed to get the attention and participation of an increasing number of people, to become one of the most anticipated events of the year.

The town is divided into 6 districts: Cassero, Borgo, Fonti, Monumento, Imposta, Mulinello, each district has a team made up of eight “pushers” or eight boys who, in relay races of two people at a time, have to push a wooden barrel full of water in the streets of the historic center.

On the Saturday preceding the race, the draw for the combinations of the teams in the race takes place, two teams are drawn at a time, the godmothers of each district and the painted barrels are also presented, all accompanied by excellent music and banquets of typical products.

On Sunday, after the historical procession and the parade of the teams through the streets of the town, the race begins, the first two teams compete, after the first three heats the three fastest teams pass the round directly, while among the three losers the fastest team is fished out, which will go to face one of the three already passed to the next round, then there are two more heats, as long as the two fastest teams remain, which face each other in the final race, the fastest will get the victory and the coveted palio, painted each year by a different local artist.

After the race, we celebrate, with music, dances and sandwiches … so don’t miss it !!