Barbers' Race

In the file you will find a colored version cpn the marbles with the colors of the contrade and a blank version with single-color marbles. Have fun running the Palio at home!

The Miniature Corsa dei Barberi is a playful tradition that recreates, on a smaller scale, the ancient horse race without riders, typical of the Palio of Siena.

In this version, the "barberi" are represented by colorful spheres, often made of wood, bearing the colors of the different Contrade. Children in Siena use these spheres to play, simulating horse races in the streets and squares of the city.

These games do not follow an official schedule nor take place in designated locations. They are spontaneous activities organized by children in public areas of their respective districts or during festivities linked to the Palio. Squares, streets, and courtyards of the Contrade become the racing fields for these miniature competitions.

If you're interested in observing or participating in these activities, the best time is during the Palio celebrations, on July 2nd and August 16th, when the entire city is immersed in a festive atmosphere, and local traditions come to life. During these occasions, it’s more likely to see children playing with miniature barberi in various Contrade.

Additionally, if you’d like to purchase a set of miniature barberi as a souvenir or for collection, you can find them in stores specializing in items related to the Palio and the Contrade. For example, platforms like eBay offer sets of wooden miniature barberi, decorated with the colors of the Contrade of Siena.

These objects represent a piece of Sienese culture and can be a meaningful memento of your visit to the city.