In Montalcino, in the magical context of the medieval historical re-enactment, the “Sagra del Tordo” is held on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 October.
The city of Montalcino, on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 October, will be the backdrop for magical parades of the historical cortege, a spectacular challenge between the archers of the four districts of the city, all garnished with typical local cuisine at the various food stands set up. Two special days in Montalcino (Siena) which will see the historical re-enactment of the “Sagra del Tordo” now in its 54th edition.
The event brings the organization of the Municipality of Montalcino in collaboration with the four districts, Borghetto, Pianello, Ruga and Travaglio; the intent of the event is to revive medieval emotions and suggestions in the context of the beauty of this ancient village located right in the heart of the Val d'Orcia, home of the famous wine, Brunello.
The event includes parades of the historical parade with costumes of the fourteenth century, folkloristic representations of the "Trescone dance" inspired by the peasant world of the last century with the characteristic costumes of the Tuscan countryside, a spectacular archery competition which will be held on Sunday where the archers of the four districts of the village will compete; they surround the whole event food stands set up under the Fortress.
This event, which has its roots in the traditions of the fourteenth century, is expected all year round by the inhabitants of Montalcino who participate in large part. The reference period is the one in which the arts and courtly traditions including that of hunting.
The woods of the Montalcino area were beaten by hunters and falconers as they were rich in game and in the period from August to October, when the passage of migratory birds, in particular the thrush, was hunted by hunters and falconers. The game caught became various dishes in festive banquets set up during jousting and tournaments in which both the nobles and the common people took part. From these traditions originate both the "Tournament of Opening of the Hunts" which is held every year on the first Sunday of August, and the "Sagra del Tordo" which takes place in the last weekend of October.
As for the archers' competition, the participants will be drawn on Saturday; each district can present three archers but only two of these can participate in the competition. Once the teams are made up the so-called "Provaccia" will be held in the afternoon where archers can refine their techniques and strategies for the next day's match; the "Provaccia" will be accompanied by the historical procession in which more than 150 participants will parade wearing costumes inspired by those of the late fourteenth and early fifteenth century, studied in every detail.
On Sunday the dance of the folkloristic group “Il Trescone” returns, after which, in the late morning the auctioneer announces the party and the historical procession begins to parade through the streets and squares of the historic center decorated with flags. The blessing of the archers will take place in front of the churchyard of the Church of Sant 'Egidio.
Subsequently the procession will enter the great fourteenth-century fortress, symbol of Montalcino, where the sounds of the trumpets and the sound of the drums will accompany the salute of the archers by the "Lords of the Fortress". The events of the morning will end with the presentation of the trophy that will go to the winning district, this year consisting of a panel painted by the young Umbrian artist Silvia Ranchicchio.
In the afternoon we return to parade up to the shooting range, set up in the shadow of the ramparts of the Fortress, where the spectacular and highly anticipated archery competition between the four districts will take place. Two archers for each team, in turn, will have to hit a wooden shape depicting a wild boar in a succession of four series in which the distance and the score increase. The trophy and a silver arrow will win the district which, at the end of the series of shots, will score the highest number of points with its archers.
During the two days, traditional flavors will accompany the development of the event at the food stands organized by the four districts in the area in front of the Fortress; it will in fact be possible to taste the dishes and typical products of the Val d'Orcia such as the famous pappardelle with wild boar, pinci al sugo, bean soup, grilled meats of various kinds, typical sweets, all washed down with the famous wines of Montalcino.
For information contact the Tourist Office of the Municipality of Montalcino
The events may undergo changes, therefore it is advisable to check the event by contacting the organizing bodies directly.
Caccia Passione is not responsible for any changes to the dates of individual events.
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