Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Sienese Palio
The Palio is Tuscany's most celebrated
festival and takes place on 2 July and
16 August each year in the Campo
(see
p218)
. It is a bareback horse race and
was first recorded in 1283, but may have
had its origins in Roman military training.
The jockeys represent the 17
contrade
or
districts; the horses are chosen by the
drawing of straws and are then blessed at the local
contrada
churches. The races are preceded by heavy
betting and pageantry, but only last about 90 seconds
each. The winner is awarded a
palio
(banner).
One of the
contrada
symbols
Ringside View
Huge sums are paid
for a view of the races.
Flag-Throwing
The Sienese display their
flag-throwing skills in the
procession and pageantry
before the
race.
Traditional
drummer
taking part in
pre-race
pageant
Medieval Knight
The traditional outfits
worn in the processions
are all hand-made.
Racing Crowds
Thousands of people cram
into the piazza to watch the
race, and rivalry is intense
between competitors.
Galloping towards the finish
View across the Campo during a race
