A date stamp is marked on a wine barrel before a wine barrel race in Montepulciano, near Siena, central Italy, September 3, 2006. The race, known as the Il Bravio delle Botti, is the highlight of a 10-day holiday dating back to the 14th century to celebrate Montepulciano's patron Saint John the Baptist, with costumed ceremonies, dance parties, street theatre performances and lavish parties served on the squares. Picture taken September 3, 2006. [Reuters]

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