Palio del Bigonzo Radicofani

The Palio of Bigonzo returns Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th September, as a tribute to the origins of Radicofani. Just consider that reproduce the names of the districts of Castello, Borgo Maggiore, Morro Castle, and Bonmigliaccio as Castle as well as Contignano Contignano. The latter is clearly still exists, the former were related to four castles, each with its walls and its administration, which formed the Community of Radicofani, which was administered with its statutes.

These settlements were linked to agricultural and viticulture in particular, that its statutes in 1255 and 1411 was meticulously regulated. Wine production has risen over the centuries until arriving to the production of two thousand measures of wine, the equivalent of three thousand hectoliters. The most suitable area for this production was the "Valley of the vineyards" where, from the seventeenth century, was built a small shrine of Our Lady of the vineyards, whose Feast is celebrated (still today) every September 8.

Consequent to this very festival eight years ago it was again the race of a prize, initially referred to the villages of four districts originating in Radicofani. So, every year on the second weekend of September in September, after the presentation of prizes on Saturday, the celebrations will begin with the setting, the magnificent procession with more than one hundred people, challenges historical arc, flags, drums and the blare of trumpets start the holders of Barellini with "Bigonzi" (ancient wooden containers to carry the grapes) and running through the winding streets of the village try to reach St. Peter's Square where, in front of the ancient church (now incorporated it the center of Radicofani) is proclaimed the winner. The Palio is scheduled for Sunday 8th of 19, while on Saturday afternoon and part of the rich program of shows, tastings and dinners in the districts.