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Bravìo delle Botti 2026

From 21 to 30 August 2026, Montepulciano will once again experience one of the most exciting weeks of the Tuscan summer: the Bravìo delle Botti, the historic competition that brings together tradition, local pride, spectacle and the strong identity of the town’s contrade.

The eight contrade — Cagnano, Collazzi, Le Coste, Gracciano, Poggiolo, San Donato, Talosa and Voltaia — compete for the prestigious painted banner by rolling barrels weighing around 80 kilograms through the steep streets of Montepulciano’s historic centre. Each barrel is pushed by a pair of competitors, known as spingitori, who must tackle an uphill route of more than one kilometre, from the Colonna del Marzocco to the steps of the Cathedral in Piazza Grande.

A Week of Contrade, Wine and Historical Re-enactments

The 2026 Bravìo programme will begin on Friday, 21 August, with “Cantine in Piazza”, an evening dedicated to Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and the finest local products.

On Saturday, 22 August, the Proclamation of the Gonfaloniere will take place, preceded by the Historical Parade and followed by flag-waving performances and the show “Chisciotte, l’incanto del Cavaliere”.

On Sunday, 23 August, the official Bravìo Banner for 2026 will be unveiled in Piazza Grande, while during the following evenings visitors will be able to watch the barrel pushers practising along the race route.

One of the most evocative events will be the Candlelight Procession, scheduled for Thursday, 27 August. The historic centre will be crossed by costumed participants, drummers and flag throwers in an atmosphere illuminated by torches and candlelight, culminating in the traditional offering of candles in honour of Saint John the Baptist Beheaded, patron saint of Montepulciano.

Throughout the week, the contrade will open their headquarters, offering visitors the opportunity to experience local community life, take part in traditional dinners and discover the authentic spirit of the festival.

The Great Race on Sunday, 30 August

The most eagerly awaited moment will arrive on Sunday, 30 August 2026.

The day will begin at 9:30 a.m. in Piazza Grande with the draw to determine the starting order, flag-waving performances and the traditional marking of the barrels. After the solemn Mass and the grand Historical Parade in the afternoon, the race will begin at 6:30 p.m. from the Colonna del Marzocco.

Amid the noise of the barrels rolling over the stone streets, the cheering crowds and the colours of the contrade, the competitors will face the demanding climb towards Piazza Grande. The first pair to reach the steps of the Cathedral will secure the coveted banner for their contrada.

The banner for the 2026 edition will be created by Siena-born artist Riccardo Manganelli and will commemorate the eightieth anniversary of the proclamation of the Italian Republic and the first time Italian women were allowed to vote. It is a theme that connects Montepulciano’s traditions with an important moment in Italy’s civic history.

Staying at Dimora del Campanile

For those wishing to experience the Bravìo delle Botti while also enjoying a peaceful and relaxing stay, Dimora del Campanile, located in the historic centre of Torrita di Siena, is an ideal base.

After a day spent among parades, performances, contrada dinners and wine tastings, guests can return to the intimate atmosphere of a traditional Tuscan residence, characterised by exposed stone walls, wooden beams and carefully designed interiors.

Its location also makes it easy to reach Montepulciano and to spend the rest of the stay exploring the Valdichiana and the Val d’Orcia.

The Bravìo delle Botti 2026 is much more than a race: it is the story of a community, its contrade and a tradition that transforms Montepulciano into a spectacular open-air stage every summer.

Staying at Dimora del Campanile offers the opportunity to experience this extraordinary event while spending a few days in the heart of the most authentic Tuscany.