Palio Del Bigonzo

Returning to Radicofani is the Palio del Bigonzo, one of the town’s most cherished traditions, slated for Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13 in the historic town center and in La Pista Park. 

The reenactment features the districts competing to carry the bigonzo—an ancient barrel from the Radicofano area used for harvesting grapes—along a route that traverses the town’s main street. 

The starting positions for the Palio are determined by an archery contest, during which archers from the contrade (districts) compete for the best spot on the starting line. 

The program kicks off on Saturday, September 12 at 9:30 pm in Piazza San Pietro with the flag ceremony and presentation of the archers and runners. 

On Sunday, September 13, the day begins at 10:30 am with the historical parade setting off from Porta da Piedi. 
At 11:00 am, Holy Mass will be celebrated in the San Pietro Church, while at noon in Piazza San Pietro, the presentation of the Palio, the Archers’ Plate and the Fatini Memorial are scheduled, followed by the blessing of the districts and their barellino (the wooden barrel carried by the runners in the race). 
In the afternoon at 3:30 pm, the historical parade returns. 
At 4:30 pm in La Pista Park, there will be a performance by the Radicofani Flag-Throwers and Musicians Group, an archery competition between archers from the various districts, followed by the awards ceremony. 
The procession will then continue to Piazza San Pietro, where at 7:00 pm, the Palio Race will take place. At 7:45 pm, the festivities continue with dinner in the wine cellars and town squares of the districts.