Last weekend of August

The Bravio delle Botti barrel race is a competition between eight districts competing for the Bravio, a painted cloth depicting the city's patron saint, St. John the Baptist. Two "pushers" roll the 80 kg barrels
along an inclined route of over one and a half kilometers that winds through the evocative streets of Montepulciano's old town centre all the way up to the Piazza Grande.

The event sparks great passion in the townspeople, with a week of events culminating on Sunday, which starts with the drawing of lots to decide the running order for the barrels, followed by flag throwing, the branding of the barrels, the consigning of the "Panno del Bravio" painting from the municipality to the Districts'Magistrate, the offering of votive candles in the cathedral and the blessing by the bishop.

In the afternoon there is a historical parade through the beautiful old town centre, with more than 300 participants. Then, at 7 pm, at the signal given by the tolling of the town hall bell, the race is on and emotions run high.