On the last Sunday of August, the Tuscan hill town of Montepulciano fills with the sound of drums, the flutter of flags, and the roar of crowds as the Bravìo delle Botti unfolds. This traditional barrel race pits eight historic districts, or contrade, against each other along a steep course through the medieval center. But the event is only the tip of an iceberg: centuries of neighborhood pride and pageantry lie behind each colorful banner.
Understanding the contrade is key to appreciating the race. Each contrada has its own identity, traditions, and social life that extend far beyond the competition itself. This guide explores the origins of these divisions, their grouping into larger terzieri, and the historical procession that precedes the thrilling climb to Piazza Grande.
The Origins of the Contrade: A 14th-Century Division
The roots of Montepulciano's contrade reach back to the late fourteenth century, when the City Charter of 1373 devoted an entire chapter to the race provisions. At that time, the competition was a horse race called the Corsa del Bravio, held in honor of the town's patron saint, San Giovanni Decollato. The prize was a painted cloth, known as the bravio, from the Latin bravium.
The districts themselves are described in the same municipal charter, which lists the eight names that survive today: Cagnano, Collazzi, Coste, Gracciano, Poggiolo, San Donato, Talosa, and Voltaia. Each district had supervising and administrative roles, and historians believe the oldest neighborhoods were located in the highest part of the city, known as the Sasso area. The more recent contrade, originally villages outside the walls, were formally incorporated around 1300.
The horse race continued until the seventeenth century, when it was suppressed for reasons of public order. The modern barrel race was revived in 1974 by Don Marcello del Balio, a local priest, who transformed the ancient competition into a race pushing wine barrels—a fitting tribute to Montepulciano's wine-making heritage.
The Three Terzieri: Historical Groupings
Since their foundation, the eight contrade have been grouped into three larger units called terzieri—each representing one third of the town. This division reflects the urban structure of medieval Montepulciano, which was organized around three main religious or civic centers.
The terzieri are named after important churches or saints: Santa Maria, San Francesco, and Sant'Agostino. While the terzieri do not compete directly in the race, they provide a sense of broader allegiance and occasionally appear in ceremonial contexts.
The Eight Contrade and Their Colors
Each of the eight contrade has its own colors and emblem, used on flags, costumes, and decorations throughout the year. The terziere of Santa Maria groups Cagnano (white with a mystic rose), Collazzi (blue with a red moon), and San Donato (yellow and red). The official braviodellebotti.com page specifies that San Donato's emblem is a red rampant lion, while Collazzi uses a red-and-blue shield with a white band.
The terziere of San Francesco includes Coste (green and white with a black rampant goat), Talosa (blue and yellow with a red rampant lion), and Voltaia (blue and red with a silver tower). Sant'Agostino includes Gracciano (red and white with a black rampant dog) and Poggiolo (green and blue with a golden rampant lion). Note that colors and emblems are best verified with the official contrada associations, as some historical variations exist.
These emblems are not mere decorations; they represent the history and character of each district. For instance, the lion symbolizes strength and courage, while the tower represents the medieval fortifications that once characterized Voltaia. On race day, these symbols are painted on the barrels and embroidered on the costumes of the flag-wavers.
Contrada Life: Loyalty Beyond Race Day
Contrada membership is a year-round commitment that shapes social life in Montepulciano. Residents identify with their contrada from birth, and it influences friendships, family gatherings, and even business relationships. Throughout the year, contrade organize dinners, feasts, and celebrations that bring members together.
The contrada system also provides a sense of belonging and community. People who live outside the historic center often consider themselves members of the contrada where their family has roots. During the month of August, the intensity increases as contrade prepare their costumes, train their spingitori (barrel pushers), and practice flag-throwing routines.
The Historical Procession: A Step Back in Time
On the day of the Bravìo, the afternoon historical procession (corteo storico) is one of the most spectacular moments. More than three hundred locals, dressed in medieval costumes, parade along the race route with flag-wavers (sbandieratori), drummers, nobles, and representatives of each contrada. The costumes are often hand-made within the contrada and reflect the colors and emblems of the district.
The procession begins in the morning with ceremonies in Piazza Grande: the raffle for the starting order, the branding of the barrels, the waving of flags, and the delivery of the painted cloth to the Magistrato of the Contrade. In the afternoon, the full corteo storico moves through the streets, and at 7 pm the race begins after the ringing of the city hall bells.
The Role of the Contrade in the Race
Before the race, each contrada's barrel is chosen by lot and must be identical to all others. A seal is branded on the wood, and the starting positions are also drawn. Two spingitori from each contrada then push the empty 80-kg barrel uphill for approximately 1.6 kilometers, navigating cobblestones and steep gradients to reach Piazza Grande.
The spingitori are selected and trained during the summer, with strength and coordination being crucial. The first barrel to cross the finish line wins the painted cloth (panno) featuring the image of San Giovanni Decollato. The winning contrada celebrates through the night, while the others begin planning for the next year's revenge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bravio delle Botti? It is a barrel race held annually in Montepulciano, Tuscany, in which eight contrade push wine barrels uphill to Piazza Grande. The event has 14th-century origins and was revived in 1974.
What are the contrade of Montepulciano? The eight historic districts that compete: Cagnano, Collazzi, Coste, Gracciano, Poggiolo, San Donato, Talosa, and Voltaia.
What are the colors of the contrade? Each contrada has distinct colors and an emblem, often grouped by terziere. For example, San Donato is yellow and red with a red lion, while Gracciano is red and white with a black dog.
What are the terzieri of Montepulciano? The three larger divisions that group the contrade: Santa Maria, San Francesco, and Sant'Agostino. They reflect historical administrative and territorial organization.
What is the historical procession? A parade of over 300 locals in medieval costumes, featuring flag-wavers and drummers, that takes place on the afternoon of the race. It follows the same route as the race.
Plan Your Visit: Experiencing the Contrade
To truly experience the contrade, plan to arrive a few days before the race. Many contrade host festive dinners and events in the week leading up to the Bravìo, offering a taste of local hospitality. As the race is on the last Sunday of August, book accommodations well in advance.
On race day, find a spot along the course early; popular vantage points include the start area near the Colonna del Marzocco and the finish line at Piazza Grande. Elevated windows and balconies offer prime views. Check the current year's program on the official Bravìo delle Botti site for exact times and any changes.
Experience the Magic
The contrade of Montepulciano are the heart and soul of the Bravio delle Botti. Their colors, emblems, and traditions transform a simple barrel race into a living pageant of medieval history.
Whether you witness the race in person or immerse yourself in the lore, you'll find that these ancient divisions still unite the town in a shared celebration of identity and pride. For practical details on dates and viewing, see our guide to Bravio delle Botti dates and viewing tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bravio delle Botti?
The Bravio delle Botti is an annual barrel race in Montepulciano, Tuscany, in which eight contrade push empty wine barrels uphill to Piazza Grande. It has origins in a 14th-century horse race and was revived in 1974.
What are the contrade of Montepulciano?
The contrade are the eight historic districts of Montepulciano: Cagnano, Collazzi, Coste, Gracciano, Poggiolo, San Donato, Talosa, and Voltaia. Each has its own colors and emblem.
What are the colors of the contrade?
The colors vary by contrada and are often displayed on flags and costumes. For example, San Donato uses yellow and red, while Gracciano uses red and white. The emblems include lions, towers, dogs, and other heraldic symbols.
What are the terzieri of Montepulciano?
The terzieri are three larger divisions that group the eight contrade: Santa Maria, San Francesco, and Sant'Agostino. Each terziere has its own unifying color and symbol.
What is the historical procession?
The historical procession is a parade of over 300 locals in medieval costumes, with flag-wavers and drummers, that takes place on the afternoon of the race. It follows the same route as the race and adds to the festive atmosphere.