Bravio delle botti


The Bravio delle botti is an annual race held in the Italian town of Montepulciano since 1974, replacing an equivalent horserace dating back to 1373. Teams of two runners representing the eight districts of the town compete to be the first to roll an 80 kg wine barrel through the streets of the historic centre from the Colonna del Marzocco to the finish on the Piazza Grande, the cathedral square. The total distance is approximately 1800m and is uphill for nearly the entire course. As the streets are narrow and the barrels cumbersome to manoeuvre, collisions are frequent.
The word "bravio" derives from the Latin Bravium meaning "to be won". It refers to the prize given to the winning Contrada - a painted cloth bearing the image of the patron saint of the city.
The Contrade, and their colours, are:
Related festivities are held throughout the week of the Bravio including processions, religious blessing, practice runs, and parties hosted at each of the team headquarters.

Winners

YearWinning Contrada
1974Gracciano
1975Cagnano
1976Cagnano
1977Cagnano
1978Le Coste
1979Talosa
1980Le Coste
1981Gracciano
1982Poggiolo
1983Le Coste
1984Cagnano
1985Cagnano

YearWinning Contrada
1986Cagnano
1987Cagnano
1988Poggiolo
1989Cagnano
1990Cagnano
1991Cagnano
1992San Donato
1993San Donato
1993San Donato
1994San Donato
1995San Donato
1996Voltaia

YearWinning Contrada
1997Gracciano
1998San Donato
1999Gracciano
2000Gracciano
2001San Donato
2002Le Coste
2003Le Coste
2004Le Coste
2005Le Coste
2006Le Coste
2007Talosa
2008Talosa

YearWinning Contrada
2009Talosa
2010Gracciano
2011Gracciano
2012Poggiolo
2013Voltaia
2014Voltaia
2015Poggiolo

A second race was held in 1993 in support of the Italian Telethon