Local Ambassador Stories: discover the Palio dei Somari with Massimo Bolici
The Palio dei Somari in Torrita di Siena: competition, tradition and belonging
With this new series dedicated to the Local Ambassadors, we want to tell the story of the events of the Valdichiana Senese through the voices of those who organise them, imagine them and make them possible. People who, with their work and passion, help bring the territory to life and create experiences capable of engaging visitors and local communities.
In Torrita di Siena, in the heart of the Valdichiana Senese, the Palio dei Somari returns with an extraordinary edition scheduled for 6 June 2026: a special event created to celebrate a double anniversary that is deeply felt by the Torrita community.
Telling us about it is Massimo Bolici, president of the Sagra San Giuseppe association, who presents this extraordinary event, held at night, on the occasion of the association’s 60th anniversary and the 70th edition of the festival.
The members of the association have chosen to dedicate this special edition to Don Valentino, parish priest of Torrita di Siena and founder of the Sagra San Giuseppe association: an important figure who was much loved by the community.
During the Palio, the districts will compete in a race divided into four heats. The first four districts to qualify will go directly to the final, while those that do not qualify will take part in a repechage heat: the winner will join the other finalists, creating a final with five donkeys. The winning district will receive the coveted “palio”, the symbol of the festival and of district pride.
For the people of Torrita, the Palio dei Somari is not just a competition, but a collective ritual that spans generations and strengthens the community’s sense of belonging. As Massimo Bolici explains, when in Torrita people hear “the drums playing and see the flags waving, their hearts beat faster”.
In his story, Massimo also shares his “place of the heart”: the headquarters of Contrada Stazione, to which he is deeply attached and of which he was president for 37 years.
Watch the full interview to find out more.
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