What do donkeys have to do with Father's Day?

La Festa del Papa, or Father's Day, is celebrated in Italy on March 19 because it is the feast of San Giuseppe (Joseph's Day). Joseph is considered the symbol of the father figure: good, hardworking, understanding and able to raise the Son of God.

The day is characterized by religious and cultural festivals, with many Italians paying homage to their fathers with special gifts and family celebrations. Father's Day is the opportunity to thank fathers for their sacrifices and children may recite a poem or prepare greetings cards for their father.

Our newest ceramic supplier Sial Ceramica is based in a small town in Tuscany called Torrita di Siena. 

In 2021 Sial artists made a large plate depicting their beautiful town and the figure of San Giuseppe (Saint Joseph) in their unique embossed style. They were very proud when the mayor of Torrita di Siena presented their plate to the Pope. 

Torrita di Siena holds a rather quirky Fathers day festival every year. The Palio dei Somari (Donkeys race) was born in 1966 to dedicate an event to Saint Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters, as woodworking was one of the most widespread trades in  town.

The Palio usually takes place on the first Sunday after Father's day on March 19 (or on March 19 itself if it falls on a Sunday). Eight historic districts (contrade) of Torrita compete, each represented by a randomly chosen donkey ridden by a jockey.

The donkeys' unpredictable nature keeps tension high during the race until one completes the four laps to win a painted banner (palio), which the winning district proudly displays in their headquarters until the next year when they do it all again.