Barbarossa Feast – San Quirico d’Orcia

12-16 June 2024. Historical reenactment, competitions, excellent food

From June 12th to 16th 2024, on the third weekend of June, the 62nd edition of the Barbarossa Feast takes place as usual in San Quirico d’Orcia.

The Barbarossa Feast commemorates Duke Frederick I Hohenstaufen known as Barbarossa (redbeard) and his entry into San Quirico d ‘Orcia around the year 1000 when he completely changed the asset of this village by investing it with high strategic roles in the geography of the Empire.

It is the most important feast of the year for its inhabitants, an exciting re-enactment characterized by the theatrical reconstruction set in the most evocative corners of the historic center, in the Collegiate churchyard and in the squares and main streets.

The historic center of San Quirico is still divided today into the 4 Districts with the signs and colors used in the Middle Ages: the Borgo, black and white; the Canneti, white and blue; the Castle, white and red; and the Prato, white and green.

The challenge between the Districts is spectacular and the archers and standard bearers compete to conquer the Emperor’s Pitchers.

The Taverns play an important role in the Barbarossa festival: the colored flags of the district they belong to are hung on the doors and medieval music and atmospheres echo from inside, while the shows in the square bring life to a distant old time.

On Wednesday the Barbarossa de ’Citti takes place, which is the competition between the youth of the four districts
On Saturday the historical re-enactment.
On Sunday the races of the archers and standard bearers.

The Districts’ Feasts are usually held in the 4 weekends preceding the Barbarossa.

For more updates see the website>>>
and the facebook page>>>

AND AFTER THE FEAST?
See on ItalybyEvents a selection of further events and places to visit in Tuscany>>>
And enjoy the traditional food of Tuscany>>> and its excellent wines>>>

Photo from the Facebook page of the event