Siena's Medieval Games and Pageants

Visit Siena Guide editorial·May 19, 2026·6 min read

Beyond the Palio, Siena keeps several other medieval traditions alive — accessible to visitors with good timing.

# Siena's Medieval Games and Pageants

Beyond the Palio, Siena keeps several other medieval traditions alive — accessible to visitors with good timing.

Key facts

Masgalano: parade of contrada flag-bearers before each Palio.
Provenzano and Assunta feasts: contrada dinners on the eve of each Palio (some open to non-locals by ticket).
Contrada baptisms: held throughout the year, occasionally visible at contrada fountains.
Caccia ai tori (historic, no longer practiced) — discussed in the Palio museum.
Festa di Santa Caterina (April): processions in the patron saint's contrada (Oca).

What I tell visitors

If your visit doesn't line up with the Palio, the contrada museums and the parades around the Provenzano feast (early July) are the next best window.

Related guides

Final word

Whatever brings you to Siena — food, the Palio, the Tuscan countryside — slow down. The city repays attention. If you have a tip to add or a correction, write us at redazione@visitsienaguide.it.