Palio dell'Imperatore

The Palio delle Botti in Suvereto—a race with wine barrels—takes place twice a year. First comes the Palio di Santa Croce in May, during celebrations for the local patron saint, and the nighttime Palio dell’Imperatore in August.

The 2025 edition of the Palio dell’Imperatore (The Emperor's Palio) will be held on Wednesday, August 13, from 8:30 pm in the historic center of Suvereto.

Organized in memory of the Holy Roman Emperor Henry VII of Luxembourg, who died suddenly and mysteriously in Buonconvento during a military campaign, the Palio on the eve of Ferragosto (a public holiday on August 15) is contested between teams of “spingitori” (barrel-pushers) representing the terzieri suveretani (the three historical divisions of Suvereto) and the hamlets, with eliminations and finals. In pairs, the barrel-pushers roll 5-quintal wooden barrels of wine along the cobblestone streets of the historic center, placing the barrel against their bellies and pushing it as steadily as possible along the circuit, trying to outrun their opponents. 

Attendance is free.