The most heartfelt rivalry
Boroughs
& Districts
The boroughs and districts of Pietralunga compete every year in the Corsa del Biroccio. Honor, pride and centuries-old tradition.
The competition
The heart of the challenge
Pietralunga becomes Pratalonga again in 1334 with the handover of the keys under the guidance of the Podestà Branca de' Branci
The Palio della Mannaja is, first and foremost, a contest between communities. The boroughs and districts of Pietralunga compete for the Palio every year with pride and passion, carrying on old rivalries that are, deep down, the liveliest way of caring for one another.
Every borough and district has its own colors, its captain, its tavern and its biroccio. During Palio week, belonging to your own borough or district becomes an all-consuming identity: you'll cheer against the others, and celebrate together with everyone.
The competitions begin as early as Tuesday with the games between boroughs and districts (sack race, tug of war, archery, bocce), which determine the starting order for Sunday's Corsa del Biroccio. On Thursday evening the captains are officially invested in Piazza VII Maggio.
Competing
The Boroughs and Districts
Every borough brings its own history, colors and passion to the Corsa del Biroccio.
Borgo de Sotto
Dark blueThe Bull is the symbol of a borough that never backs down: strength, determination, a fighting spirit. With 10 wins to its name — the latest in 2025 — De Sotto is one of the historic protagonists of the Corsa del Biroccio. Whoever wears its colors knows: here, you compete to win.
Borgo de Sopra
RedThe Unicorn tells of an identity built on tradition and pride. With 15 wins, De Sopra is the most successful borough in the Palio's history: a record built edition after edition, amid solemn processions and a rivalry felt like few others.
Quartiere del Piscinale
GreenThe green Cross of the Piscinale is as much a symbol as a way of living the Palio: together, around the table, in the tavern. With 9 wins in the Albo d'Oro, the district has made conviviality its quiet strength — the sweetest victory is always celebrated together.
Quartiere del Monte
BrownThe mountain and wheat tell of an ancient bond with the land and the hills surrounding Pietralunga. With 4 wins, the district plays its own game with the patience of one who knows every path: not the loudest, but always there when it counts.
Quartiere delle Valcelle
YellowThe yellow Horse of the Valcelle is speed, energy, a love of celebration. The youngest district in the Children's Albo d'Oro (won in 2014) brings its most infectious spirit to the Palio: music, fireworks and an enthusiasm that never fades.
Sunday, August 9
The Corsa del Biroccio
The most anticipated moment of the Palio — the contest that decides it all.
The Biroccio
The biroccio is a two-wheeled cart pulled by hand by performers from the borough. Every borough and district must carry the biroccio from start to finish in the shortest time possible.
The Route
The race takes place along Via G. Marconi, in the heart of Pietralunga. The birocci start in the order set by Tuesday's games and race against the clock: whoever completes the course in the shortest time wins.
The Palio
The winning borough or district receives the Palio — an artistic banner commissioned every year to a local or regional artist. The award ceremony takes place on Sunday evening in Piazza Fiorucci.
History and tradition
Albo d'Oro
The winners of the Corsa del Biroccio, edition by edition.
| Year | Edition | Winning borough | Time |
|---|
The Palio by the numbers
Statistics
A rivalry that has lasted for decades — the Palio's numbers.
Your voice
Which is your borough of the heart?
Cast your vote — just once, for honor.
Want to take part?
Experience the challenge live
Tuesday the games, Thursday the investiture of the captains,
Sunday the Corsa del Biroccio. Don't miss it.