Flag throwing

After watching ‘Under The Tuscan Sun’ last week, we really wanted to see flag-throwers (sbandieratori) in person. This weekend we got our chance.

We headed to Torrita di Siena, about an hour east to watch the Palio dei Somari, a historic donkey race. It’s an all-day event, so we weren’t sure we would all make it until the end, but the flag-throwing was first, so it was perfect. We jostled for spots in the piazza and waited…

First, the band entered, in traditional costumes (including swords and chainmail).

Then, representatives from each of the eight districts of the city paraded with their flags and uniforms.

Each had a meticulous example of medieval armour as part of their retinue.

Then the flag-throwing began.

It was an amazing display. However, after two hours in the springtime sun, we were all ready for a break, so we didn’t stay for the race itself. We headed to Greve in Chianti for a late lunch and a walk around the market before heading home.