Palio di Siena
Wed 2 Jul 2008
Sat 16 Aug 2008
One of the most loved events in the Tuscan town of Siena, the Palio, returns to whip the spectators into a frenzy again on July 2nd and August 16th.
The tradition of the Palio sees the Contrade (or districts) of Siena compete in a fiercely-contested horse race around the Campo square. Ten of the 17 Contradas are able to participate in the race, with seven selected by right and the remainder by drawing lots.
Preceding the race itself is a spectacular pageant, during which the Contrade parade before the gathered crowd bearing the medieval colours and heraldry of their district.
Led by the flag-bearer, a troupe of musicians, captains and representatives from Siena's trades and government parade around the course, before the racers and their pages appear in front of the partisan audience.
When the race begins, the crowd erupts, but Siena is happy regardless of the result. The victorious Contrada is obliged to entertain everybody and the people disperse from the picturesque square to the winning district to share in the celebrations.
The first Palio was run in 1656 to commemorate the reported apparition of the Virgin Mary in the town. However, from 1701, the focus of the event was switched to honour the "Madonna dell'Assunta", the patroness and advocate of Siena.
See the streets of Siena roar into life during the Palios of July and August.
Take a short break there and enjoy one of Italy's most famous traditions.
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