The Festival of the Thrush in Montalcino 2012

The festival of the thrush or Sagra del Tordo is held in the old Tuscan town of Montalcino on the last October weekend.

Thousands of tourists go to Montalcino while the festival. If you want to see the festival of the thrush, you should take care of accommodation in Montalcino in advance. It’s better to come a bit earlier for the festival. On the day of the competition, you will have to leave your car far away in the valley and walk a couple of kilometers up. Don’t forget to ask your landlords to help you buy tickets for the ceremonial dinner and the tournament.

On the eve of the festival, on Friday night, holiday atmosphere is felt everywhere. The young sing songs, cheering their archers and teasing rivals. Stores and shops present their merchandise; trattorias offer the famous “Brunello di Montalcino” and other sorts of wine to accompany traditional food.

On Saturday, early in the morning, the town is waked by sounds of drums and trumpets. Participants of the contest gather together by the old town hall building. Colorful processions dressed in historic costumes go along streets of the medieval town. Prior shooting starts after noon. It determines the order in Sunday performance. A festive dinner is held at each of the four town districts (Pianello, Travaglio, Ruga, Borghetto) at night. Those who take part in the festive dinner share excitement of the coming contest with each other and try to raise competition spirit in the participants, as prestige of the district depends on success of its representatives.

On Sunday, festival procession goes along Montalcino streets accompanied by old music sounds again. After the archers have been blessed, they go to present their small motherland. Two representatives of each district take part in the contest. The winners enjoy their well-deserved reward while the ceremonial dinner.