Palio Marinaro dell'Argentario

The challenge of the 4 winds that was born in Porto Santo Stefano

The 15 of August in Porto Santo Stefano comes to life an event that for many years attracts the attention of many tourists and the inhabitants of the beautiful seaside town nestled between the rocks overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea.

The origins of the Palio Marinaro dell'Argentario date back to the time of pirates, when the beautiful coasts of Argentario were often prey to looting. The story goes that a typical fishing boat of Porto Santo Stefano, spotted by a pirate ship to avoid capture undertook a grueling race; Thanks to their tenacity and ability to Vogue, Monte Argentario official fishermen managed to hide in a cave which was called "grotta del turco".

Starting from the '700, in memory of this episode were organized boat races reminiscent but it is only since 1937, when the municipality of Monte Argentario became the organizer of the event, establishing rules and regulations, that this simple race became far more famous Palio Marinaro of Argentario. The race sees compete four rowboats christened with the names of twenty Libeccio, Maestrale, Grecale and Scirocco, composed by four rowers and a coxswain, representing 4 wards of Porto Santo Stefano: Pilarella, Valle, Fortezza and Croce.

A historical parade before the race, evoking the period of Spanish domination; for the occasion the many listed with rich 17th century dresses introduce the representatives of the districts. Prize, the coveted Golden Cup given to the ward who wins the prize for three consecutive years.