Duck festival: Tuscany

Holiday makers looking for a new type of entertainment can look no further than Tuscany, with its medieval traditions of duck racing.

The Palio del Papero, or duck festival, is held on 14th October in Balconevisi, a hamlet approximately 15 kilometres from San Miniato.

Taking place since 1982, the event involves four boroughs: Il Borgo, Fondo di Scesa, Buecchio, and Fornacino.

The locals will cheer on as the ducks waddle past as fast as they can in an attempt to win the race.

There is also a parade where local historical events are re-enacted with local food served up and the celebrations finish with the Madonna of the Rosario.

San Minato has rich local history it is enclosed in medieval walls that were built in the 12th century and it was on the main connecting route between Europe and Rome.

The church of San Domenico was built in the 14th century, and inside is a burial monument sculpted by Donatello.

The Convent of San Francesco which was founded by Saint Francis of Assisi can also be found in the town.

Holiday makers will not hesitate to leave their villas and explore the history and culture that Tuscany has to offer.

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