An alternative “palio” which was begun in 1974 as a revival of the Medieval horse races once held, this barrel rolling race takes place in Montepulciano on the last Sunday in August. The competition is between the eight contradas ( districts) of Montepulciano, each with its own cloth banner. The 80-kg barrels have to be rolled uphill along the main street of Montepulciano, until the Piazza Grande. Costume processions precede the competition and a vibrant street banquet follows the race.

Keywords: Foce, Chiarentana, Sassaia, Gonzola, Vivo, Orcia, Maramai, Mulino, Rocchetto, Lucignano