Cultural events

Il Bruscello

Montepulciano is the unique town which keeps and represents Tuscan folk traditions by "Bruscello": the magic of recollection transforms places and creatures. Etymologically, "Bruscello" is likely to mean "arboscello", as to say tree with leafty branches, planted by the actor who begins his performance. Bruscellantis' companies form in carnival time. They have a leader. They stop in squares, threshing-floors and church-squares. They tell sad stories, scenes of passion, romantic stories of chivalry. In the territory of Montepulciano and Val di Chiana these companies perform lives of Pia de' Tolomei, Juliet and Romeo, Genoveffa, Ghino di Tacco who dwelled the severe fortress of Radicofani, St. Margaret of Cortona who dwelled Palazzo Contucci in Montepulciano and who was loved by Arsenio Cantucci before her terrible punishments. The poetic test is almost always in Ariosto's octava rima; final clauses in six-line stanzas and hendecasyllabic quatrains. The Bruscello Poliziano takes place each year on August 15th in Piazza Grande. It is the most particular folk performance where each actor gathers and performs all experiences which made him the king of a kingdom which he will not open to the laity after the Bruscello period.

Il Bravio delle botti

In 1372 provisions of "Bravium or Palium" were issued. It was a scarlet drape which was given as a prize to the winner of a horse race. The race took place each year on August 29yh in honour of the patron saint, St. John Decollato. Today the competition has been turn into a race along the main town streets, but no loger with horses but with 80-kilo casks. They are rolled by "spingitori" (men who push them) representing the 8 quarters. Before the race there is historical procession with more than 200 people wearing XIV-Century costumes. Each quarter is represented by drummers, flag-wavers, ensigns, ladies, knights, capitain, soldiers and a magistrate.