Did you ever seen a Donkey race?

For sure, you know about the famous Palio of Siena that takes place every July and August in the medieval Tuscan city, but do you know about the other Palio? You know, the one with donkeys in Torrita di Siena?

Let me tell you about, on 19 March in celebration of its patron saint, San Giuseppe, Torrita di Siena, about 40 kilometers southeast of Siena, holds a donkey race in honor of the so-called Worker Saint, St. Joseph, who is also the patron saint of carpenters.

The festival is relatively new by Italian standards, having only begun in 1966, but the emotions and competitiveness involved are still at rather high levels.
Just as with the famous race of Siena, different contradas of Torrita di Siena, each with its own colors, coat of arms, and mascot, compete for the grand prize, the Palio.

Of course the race has a unique feel with donkeys competing instead of horses, but it is certainly no less entertaining, last year I was so surprised about the race that tears from laughing didn't stop.

The parade earlie morning, along the middle-aged streets of Torrita di Siena, is beautiful.
The costumes , the prince and " la Dama ", the tambours, the whole middle-aged atmosphere is a little magic.

Ludovica my oldest daughter of 9 has been choose for " il paggetto ".
Well that's an important play, she needs to walk beside the prince and his mother.

Today we went for messuring the costume,her eyes were twinkeling!

If you wish to know few more
palio


If you are in for a good laugh:
Donkey race