5 Must-Attend Festivals in and Around Siena, Italy

While Florence may get the crown for Tuscany’s most attractive city, Siena comes in a very close second.

Perched atop on the green rolling Tuscan hills, Siena greets its visitors with magnificent cityscape worthy of being declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is covered with beige medieval buildings and a clock tower piercing its skyline. The vibrant region is home to events that draw tourists from all over the world into Siena, and festivals are the are the reason that they stay. There are festivals for everyone to witness or take part in year round.

Below is a list of some of the must-see festivals around Siena.

Palio Race, July – August in Siena

Palio is Siena’s most famous festival with bare-back horse riding around the main plaza, Piazza del Campo (you can see an amazing video here). The track is filled with sand and an elegant costume party arises before the big race. There are ten horses and riders that represent their own neighborhood, or contrada, each displaying their banners along with their mascots. The main event lasts just 90 seconds with 3 laps around the square and every second brings a thrill to each horse’s supporters and visitors alike. The winner takes bragging rights in the city and the party continues on during the rest of the event that lasts during the 46 days it is on.

Castagne e vino in piazza, October – November in Radicondoli

Radicondoli is a small town around an hour west of Siena. It’s a beautiful drive and an easy one if you choose to drive yourself. The town is relatively unknown to tourists and it is what makes it such an interesting event. The festival simply is a celebration with roasted chestnuts and wine making it the essence of Tuscan simplicity. The smell of roasted fare engulfs the city with a nip in the air making it an authentic small-town vibe. Listen to the amateur brass band as you take part in the celebration with the friendly locals.

Rassegna del Chianti Classico, September in Greve In Chianti

The Chianti region is well known worldwide for its great wine, and there’s no better time to sample the local produce than during a festival. The rassegna del Chianti classico festival in the small town north of Siena, Greve in Chianti, in its main square. The concept of taking part is simple, you buy a wine glass and most stands offer a sample of their wine for free before you buy.

Sagra del Tordo, October in Montalcino

The Sagra del Tordo festival dazzles onlookers with spectacular parades of people in costumes walking along with the sound of drums. A showmanship of archery can also be seen as the locals celebrate the festival of the thrush. Delicious food is on offer and wine flows out the barrel. A great festival to take part in.

Sagra o Festa delle Frittelle, March in Montefioralle