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Bravio delle botti
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The Bravio delle Botti is an original challenge between the eight districts of Montepulciano: Cagnano, Colazzi, Coste, Gracciano, Poggiolo, San Donato, Taloso and Voltaia.
They compete for a painted banner "panno", by rolling 80 kg wooden barrels uphill for a distance of 1,800 metres.
The barrels are pushed by two men called "spingitori".
The race twists through the medieval streets of the old "Poliziano" city centre, finishing on the cathedral steps in Piazza Grande.
The word "Bravio" drives from the vernacular "Bravium", the painted banner bearing the iconographic image of Saint Giovanni Decollato, patron saint of the city, in whose honour the race is run.
According to the municipal records of 1372 a set of rules was drawn up governing the contest and
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stated that the "Bravium" should be of scarlet cloth of the value of at least 30 gold florins. In those times the "Bravio" was disputed on horseback, but this practice was abandoned in the 17th century for reasons of public order.
The story of the "Bravio" began again in 1974 when a parish priest, Don Marcello del Balio, had a genial idea to transform the ancient horse race to one of barrel pushing.
The race is run on a Sunday. In the morning at 9.00 am the town council presides over the interesting and important ceremonies of selecting the starting order, branding the barrels and the consignment of the "Panno del Bravio" to the master of the district squads.
In the cathedral votive candles are lit to Saint Giovanni. At 4.00 pm the fascinating historical pageant begins, boasting over 300 costumes participants. Finally at 7.00 pm the municipal bell chimes the starting signal and the barrels start to race along the stone streets from the column of Marzocco.
Approximately 10 minutes later the result of the "Bravio" has been decided and the victorious district receives the "Panno" and celebrates. The others can show only respect to the winners, disappointment for themselves and dream of winning next time. Thus a tradition of over 600 years continues.
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