Barbarossa Festival – San Quirico d’Orcia

14-18 June 2023. Historical reenactment, competitions, excellent food

From June 14th to 18th 2023, on the third weekend of June, the 61st edition of the Barbarossa Festival takes place as usual in San Quirico d’Orcia.

The Barbarossa Festival 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 festival 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 for the conquest of 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, that 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.

In the 4 weekends preceding the Barbarossa, the Districts’ Festival is usually held.

For more updates see also the facebook page of the Barbarossa Festival

AND AFTER THE EVENT?
See other events and places to visit in Tuscany>>>

And why not taste the traditional food of Tuscany>>> and its excellent wines>>>

Photo from the Facebook page of the event