Siena's Medieval Games and Pageants

# 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

• Where to Stay in Siena (2026): Best Areas + Honest Picks
• Siena in 24 ore: itinerario gastronomico come un locale
• Siena Duomo Tickets 2026: Which Pass, What It Costs, When to Go

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.