Day goes by, there is more and more air of stakes.
(Riccardo Cardellicchio)
It could thus be summed up that enthusiastic atmosphere, of expectation and hope, that the city of Fucecchio not only collects and highlights during the week, but also offers other side events dedicated to the little ones, to the enthusiasts of the competition and horses and those who love folk re-enactments.
Spring races
Real anticipation of the Palio, which start about a month earlier, the Spring Races allow the districts to better evaluate the animals that will participate in the May event. It is an event to be marked on the calendar for both citizens of the Condrade and for fans of horses and equestrian races that are held between city wards.
The Great Gala
An must-see for those who love ancient traditions and folklore, the Grand Gala of Flags-Wavers and Musicians, taken place in Fucecchio since 2011. The protagonists of this festival of music and colours are the flag-wavers of the 12 districts, who perform, accompanied by the drums and clarifications of their fellow companions.
Until last year, the Grand Gala was held in October and sanctioned the ideal closure of the palio season; however, since 2018, the event takes place at the end of April, as if to introduce the race that will be held in a month. The performance has also changed slightly: the maximum duration of the performances is set at 10 minutes and each Contrada, within its own performance, presents a game with the "great team", a joint show of trumpets, musicians and flag-wavers. It all ends with a final game involving the 12 Contrade. Finally, all the figures parade through the streets of the centre, accompanied by the sound of the music group of the Contrada Sant'Andrea.
The Game of the Palio
With exactly one week to go before the main race, the Palio in Gioco, an initiative involving the children of Fucecchio schools and the youth groups of each Contrada. Opening the event is the parade of small members of the Contrada, followed in the afternoon by the medieval children's games, for a whole day in the name of being together and cheerful. As part of this initiative, there is also the Contrade Market, during which each ward distributes its own gadgets and its recognition colors to enhance the deep bond that unites citizens and their Contrada.
