The Sea Festival

Every year in August in Castiglione della Pescaia, the "Festa del mare" is celebrated, during which the three maritime palii are contested. On the first day of the feast, the traditional Mass of the Assumption is celebrated in the church of Santa Maria Goretti, followed by the blessing of the crews and the banner and the procession through the streets of the town, with the statue of Our Lady on the barque. This is followed by the day when all the crews taking part in the three palii are presented and the drawing of the lanes. The first palio is held on the Sunday following the draw. It involves a total of three turns, for about 2700 meters with the finish line inside the canal port. The one reserved for under-18s is held the following Saturday, followed by the women's one, which takes place the next day.