The Feast of St. Michael of Carmignano

Every year, to coincide with the feast day of St. Michael-the patron saint of Carmignano-and for three days, an enthralling competition is held among the town's four wards. The first competition consists of a parade with elaborately designed floats, costumes and choreography. Each ward has about 30 minutes. At the end of the parades, the Palio dei Ciuchi is held in which four jockeys bareback mount nags and ride four laps of the square. On the last evening-September 29-the winning Rione is proclaimed with a trophy depicting St. Michael.