There are 17 contrade (districts) in the city of Siena, but only ten horses may compete for il Palio (the secretly created banner presented as a prize) because of space restrictions.

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Not Just Another Italian Festival.

On August 16th, Siena buzzes a little more than usual.

Il Palio

The church bell in the famous Mangio Tower sounds at 8am, as jockeys attend Mass with the Archbishop of Siena. Later the horses will be blessed in their contrade too.

It is a great honour for the jockey to wear the colours of his contrade, but it is the horse who is the star -- unlike other horse-races, the horse can even win without a jockey.

There are 17 contrade (districts) in the city of Siena, but only ten horses may compete for il Palio (the secretly created banner presented as a prize) because of space restrictions.

The Palio Race -- copyright Michel Guntern, TravelNotes.org
The Palio Race -- © Travel Notes.

The race is run around the Piazza del Campo, and is over in around 75 seconds; although for the loosers the shame lasts a lot longer.

Palii:

Palii were often associated with major festivals of the Roman Catholic Church. The pagentry is deceiving, as behind the colourful facade lies brutality and bloodshed.

Injuries to horses and jockeys are frequent, especially round the notorious San Martino corner. Jockeys can whip their rivals and other horses in an attempt to get round first.

Palio Winner -- copyright Michel Guntern, TravelNotes.org
Proud Winner -- © Michel Guntern, TravelNotes.

Siena held the earliest recorded palio in 1238.

Palli were also held in Verona, Padua, Ferrara, and Bologna during the Middle Ages, but in Siena the tradition continues every August 16 and July 2nd (occasionally the 3rd -- and sometimes in September).

Victory Kiss -- copyright Michel Guntern, Travel Notes.
Victory is Sweet.

Cathedral Celebrations -- copyright Michel Guntern, Travel Notes.
© Travel Notes.

After the race, the winners go back to their contrade, and even the horse enters the cathedral with its flag waving supporters.

  • Siena, The Palio:
    U dedication to this ancient tradition from the commune di Siena. Complete with audio and video.

  • Palio Live:
    This cam should be going out on August 16 from 16:00 CET.

  • Welcome to Italy:
    As stylish as the passagio on a Sunday. Stroll through the site by itinerary, region, or province.
  • Autostrada:
    How to make motorways interesting? The Italians do fine; with interactive maps, traffic forecasts, and even suggestions of games to play when stuck in a jam. Graphics intensive.

  • Italy @ Travel Notes:
    Additional Italian links to get you on your way.

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