Historic race of Calcinaia

The historic race of Calcinaia, called "rowing Palio" in the past, is a fixed seat rowing competition which takes place on the waters of the River Arno in honor of the patron Saint Ubaldesca Taccini. In the Middle Ages the palio, a long rich cloth, was used to welcome kings and emperors, putting it over their heads like a canopy, so it was a very precious material. The prizes which were offered to the winners in medieval racing consisted of some lengths of silk, wool or velvet, and were called palios. It was therefore a "race to win the Palio". In Calcinaia, the Palio, heart-felt and waited for during the whole year, typically takes place on the last Sunday of May or the first Sunday of June between the districts of the village after a costume parade. In the first editions all the villages and towns which overlooked the river (Pontedera, San Giovanni alla Vena, Uliveto) took place in the competition. Then over the years Calcinaia was divided into three districts: Montecchio, Nave, Oltrarno.



The district Montecchio, recognized with the color blue, occupies the north and east of the village and represents the bourgeois life of Calcinaia;









The district Oltrarno, in red, occupies the south area of the Arno and represents the popular classes that in the past lived in the countryside in front of the village;







The district Nave, in green, occupies the area north of the Arno near the old medieval castle and represents the lord of the castle with its army.

The documents proving the existence of the race date back to the beginning of the nineteenth century, but the oral tradition peasant dates the race at even more remote times.
The night before the race, according to the tradition, a street party called "relive the past" is organized. It is a historical manifestation through the streets of the village that brings the whole village back in time. During this evening you can admire medieval carts, 19th century poor farmers hand in hand with 18th century distinct aristocrats, performances of all kinds, attractions, games, live paintings and food stalls, all kinds of drinks and tasty treats.
I really recommend to participate in this celebration different from the usual but however full of fun and cheer.

Foschetti Ylenia