Festival of the Tabernacles
A festival featuring the children of the districts and held every year on September 8
On September 8 each year - on the occasion of the Nativity of Mary - the Festival of Tabernacles competition is held in Siena. The event has a dual purpose, on the one hand to appreciate the city's tabernacles and, on the other, to educate the younger generation of contradaioli. The displays are in fact curated by children and must enhance the religious meaning of the Nativity of Mary.
A judging committee evaluates each tabernacle by emphasizing precisely the handiwork of children and penalizing the excessive intervention of adults. Prizes are awarded for simplicity and immediacy in understanding the chosen theme, creativity, imagination and originality while respecting tradition, and above all, teamwork and learning about the origins of the festival, the City, the Contrada and the Tabernacle by all the children involved.
