Sagra del Tordo
The Sagra del Tordo is much more than a historical re-enactment that becomes a performance. It is an expression of the way of life and social interaction of the people of Montalcino, who relive their past through the identity of the four Districts, Borghetto, Pianello, Ruga and Travaglio, during the celebrations.
The morning of the 'Sagra'
The day begins in Piazza Cavour, where the historical procession of about one hundred and fifty figurants, in costumes inspired by those of the early 15th century, parades through the town decked with the coloured flags of the four Districts. The figurants represent the most important institutions of old Montalcino, as stated in the reformed town charter dated 1415. At the same time, the “garzoni” and “donzelle” of the Trescone, dressed in the traditional attire of the 19th-century Tuscan countryside, perform dances and songs to the sound of accordions, involving everyone to join in the festivities.
The fanfare of the clarion trumpets, the roll of the drums and the deep sound of the horns accompany the traditional honouring of the Lady of the Podestà, who, with her handmaidens and the Ladies of the villas, awaits the return of knights, pages and archers under the loggia of the Town Hall. From the civic tower, which overlooks Piazza del Popolo, the town crier reads the Bando, a proclamation that formally declares the Sagra del Tordo open.
The young pages of each District offer the Lady of the Podestà precious gifts made by the craftsmen who once worked in the territories into which the historic centre of Montalcino is divided.
Borghetto: for the art of the notaries, the gift of the notarial charter bound in parchment, and for the art of the woodworkers, a jewellery box in inlaid mahogany;
Pianello: for the art of the cup-makers and potters, the gift of a Montalcino majolica “swan-neck” flask, and for the art of the leather-workers, a leather case;
Ruga: for the art of the haberdashers, the gift of precious headgear and a blue velvet sash trimmed with embroidered passementerie, and for the art of the wool weavers, loom-woven woollen cloth with gold ribbons;
Travaglio: for the art of the blacksmiths, the gift of a wrought-iron dragon, and for the art of the apothecaries, a glass apothecary jar containing medicinal herbs.
The historical parade continues towards Piazza Garibaldi where, on the parvis of the old church of Sant’Egidio, the archers, the real protagonists of the afternoon tournament, receive a blessing.
The following destination is the 14th-century Fortress, where the Podestà and his Lady present the captains of each District with the arrows for the Archery Tournament. At the same time, the silver arrow (which is replaced with a gold arrow every 10 years) and the work of art that will be awarded to the winning district are presented.
The afternoon of the 'Sagra'
In the afternoon, the historical parade sets off again for the archery range, reconstructed under the ramparts of the Fortress.
This is the moment when rivalries, hopes and antagonisms are sparked, and the spotlight is shone on the archers who take to the field to represent the colours of their District.
At the signal from the field captain, the first four archers – one from each District – and then the second four archers, shoot five arrows each at the wild boar targets in four successive rounds, each with increasing distances and scores.
The District whose archers have scored the most points at the end of the competition wins.
Ultimately, the winning District receives a silver arrow (which becomes a golden arrow every ten years) and the work of art, the prize for victory, from the captain.
The draw and the 'Provaccia'
The archers who compete for each District are drawn on the Saturday morning, the day before the contest, in Piazza del Popolo. Each District presents an envelope containing the names of three archers, and the two who will compete are drawn in the presence of the Mayor of Montalcino and the representative of the Magistrate.
The archery trial, the “Provaccia”, is held on the same Saturday. The winning District will decide the final distance and the shooting lane of the competition on Sunday.
After the “Provaccia”, dinners are organised in each District, attended by all their members who come together in support of their archers.
The Food Stalls
A culinary experience that combines taste with culture and community life.
The atmosphere in the gardens in front of the Fortress is filled with unique aromas and flavours during the Sagra del Tordo, thanks to the food stalls organised by the four Districts, recognisable by their traditional colours: red and white for Borghetto, blue and white for Pianello, blue and yellow for Ruga, and red and yellow for Travaglio.
The stalls are not simply refreshment points, but real open-air kitchens, where the inhabitants of the Districts set to work to offer traditional Montalcino dishes (e.g. pappardelle with hare ragout, pinci with sauce, mushroom soup, gnocchi and barbecued meats) accompanied by the area’s renowned wines.
It is thanks to the commitment and passion of the people of Montalcino that an atmosphere of celebration and conviviality is created, with food as the protagonist.
Participating in the Sagra del Tordo also means embarking on a journey through the flavours of the territory, rediscovering authentic recipes and savouring dishes prepared according to tradition.
2025 Sagra del Tordo program
- 18:30 p.m. | Piazza del Popolo Loggia of the Historic Town Hall
Presentation of the work by artist IRENE RASPOLLINI, which will be awarded to the winning district of the Archery Tournament.
- 11:00 a.m. | Piazza del Popolo
Dance by the Trescone folk group from Montalcino
- 11:30 a.m. | Piazza Cavour
The Historical Parade of the Municipality moves towards Piazza del Popolo
- 12:00 p.m. | Piazza del Popolo
Drawing of the archers from the four districts
- Ore 16:00 | Piazza Cavour
Departure of the Historical Parade for the Shooting Range
- Ore 16:45 | Shooting Range
Archery Competition ' Provaccia'
- From 9:00 a.m. | Through the city streets
Dance by the Trescone folk group from Montalcino
- 11:00 a.m. | Historic town hall
The Procession of the Ladies descends upon Piazza del Popolo
- 11:00 a.m. | Piazza Cavour
Departure of the Historical Parade to meet the Ladies in Piazza del Popolo
- 11:30 a.m. | Piazza del Popolo
The Town Crier announces the Festival and offering to the Podestà and his Lady
- 11:45 a.m. | Churchyard of the Church of Sant'Egidio
Blessing of the archers and the town of Montalcino
- 12:00 p.m. | Fortress
Delivery of arrows, presentation of the “Trophy” and farewell to the archers
- 15:15 p.m. | Piazza Cavour
Departure of the Historical Parade for the Shooting Range
- 15:45 p.m. | Campo di Tiro
Archery Tournament between the four Districts of the City
Information
Saturday, October 25 and Sunday, October 26 Tasting of typical Montalcino dishes at the stands of the four Quartieri (districts) in the Giardini dell’Impero.
A shuttle bus service will be available on Sunday, October 26.
Municipality of Montalcino: + 39 0577 80441 | www.comunedimontalcino.it | protocollo@comunemontalcino.com
Info and reservations for food and wine
Quartiere Borghetto: 347 355 5785 – 392 173 3775
Quartiere Pianello: 333 184 2637
Quartiere Ruga: 349 857 1957
Quartiere Travaglio: 340 242 1857
Ticket purchase
Saturday 25: free admission to the ‘Provaccia’ at the Shooting Range
Sunday 26: tickets for the Archery competition can be purchased at the food stands of the Four Districts of Montalcino (both Saturday and Sunday) and from 2:45 pm on Sunday at the Archery Range.
Children up to 6 years old free.
Historical notes
The Sagra del Tordo was first held in 1958 to evoke the ancient medieval October festivals of Montalcino, linked to the hunting and community banquets. It is celebrated every last Sunday in October, keeping the local spirit of sharing and tradition alive.
Since 1961, the festival has been energised by the participation of the four historical Districts (Borghetto, Pianello, Ruga, Travaglio), distinguished by their colours and coats of arms. 1962 witnessed the birth of the Archery Tournament, the symbol of the event, followed by the Tournament for the Opening of the Hunts (August), making the Sagra an identifying and captivating event.
The Sagra has evolved over the years, from the renewal of the historical costumes (most recently in 2022) to the creation of modern gastronomic spaces. Nationally recognised since 1980, it continues to be an important celebration of Montalcino’s history and cultural identity.
