The Bravìo delle Botti is the challenge that takes place every year in Montepulciano between the 8 districts of Montepulciano (Cagnano, Collazzi, Gracciano, Le Coste, Poggiolo, San Donato, Talosa, Voltaia), on the last Sunday of August in honor of the patron saint, Giovanni Battista.
The race takes place along the main streets of the city: two men called “pushers” (usually athletes, in many cases marathon runners) push a barrel weighing 80 kg along the route, approximately 1700 meters long. The departure is at the Colonna del Marzocco, while the arrival is located in Piazza Grande, in the churchyard of the Cathedral of Montepulciano.
On the morning of the festival, the districts gather in Piazza Grande to watch the drawing of the starting and parade order. In fact, at the start the barrels are arranged in two (parallel) rows of four. This is followed by the waving of the flag and the branding of the barrels.
At 12 pm the Holy Mass takes place, during which the bishop gives the blessing to the districts, the pushers and the barrels.
After lunch in the district, the historical procession begins around 3.30pm along the city streets: a colorful ensemble with characters in period costumes, drummers and flag-wavers.
At 7pm the bell of the tower of the Town Hall starts the race. The race begins amidst the enthusiasm of the Poliziani who encourage the pushers from their district along the tiring climbs of the city. After the race judges have verified the regularity of the race, the Bravìo is delivered to the district that first arrived in the cathedral churchyard.
Then great celebrations begin in the winning district. After dinner, the victorious contradai people carry the newly won Bravìo in procession, both in the historic center and in the other districts.
