Surely you know all about the famous Palio of Siena that takes place every July and August in the medieval Tuscan city, but do you know about the other Palio? You know, the one with donkeys in Torrita di Siena?

On 19 March in celebration of its patron saint, San Giuseppe, Torrita di Siena, about 40 kilometres southeast of Siena, holds a donkey race in honor of the so-called Worker Saint, St. Joseph, who is also the patron saint of carpenters. The festival is relatively new by Italian standards, having only begun in 1966, but the emotions and competitiveness involved are still at rather high levels.

Just as with the famous race of Siena, different contradas of Torrita di Siena, each with its own colours, coat of arms, and mascot, compete for the grand prize, the Palio. Of course the race has a unique feel with donkeys competing instead of horses, but it is certainly no less entertaining, as you might imagine.

The Palio in Torrita di Siena is actually the culmination of a week-long celebration that includes the opening of small local restaurants that serve typical Sienese cuisine, the presentation of the colourful Palio, and ceremonial dinners for the contradas.

Here is a glimpse of the action in Torrita di Siena:

Have you ever seen donkeys race?