The Palio di Siena: Italy's Most Intense Horse Race

The Palio di Siena is not just a horse race. It is a raw, ancient battle of honor between neighborhoods that has continued for 700 years.

1. Palio di Siena

• Held in Siena (Tuscany)

• Takes place twice a year: July 2nd and August 16th

Famous for:

• Bareback horse race in Piazza del Campo

• 17 competing neighborhoods (Contrade)

• 90 seconds of pure chaos

2. The 17 Contrade (Neighborhoods)

• Each Contrada has its own flag, animal symbol, and colors

• Examples: Eagle, Snail, Dragon, Giraffe, Unicorn, Owl

• Members belong to their Contrada for life

Features:

• Baptisms, weddings, funerals within the Contrada

• Intense rivalries between neighborhoods

• Years of waiting for a win

3. The Historical Parade (Corteo Storico)

• Takes place just before the race

• Features 600 people in medieval costumes

Includes:

• Men in armor carrying lances

• Women in velvet gowns with braided hair

• Flag throwers and drummers

4. The Trial Races (Prove Generali)

• Held for 4 days before the main race

• Tests horses and jockeys on the track

Features:

• Jockeys ride bareback

• Whips are allowed on horses and other jockeys

• Secret alliances and betrayals

5. The Victory Celebration

• Winning Contrada runs to the Madonna Chapel

• The winning horse is blessed in the Contrada's church

• Street banquet for 1,000 people that night

Includes:

• Screaming crowds in matching scarves

• Tears of joy and grief

• Flag waving and singing for weeks

6. The Victory Banquet

• Held the night of the win

• Takes place in the winning Contrada's courtyard

Features:

• Whole roasted pig on a platter

• Barrels of red wine

• Elderly crying with joy

• Young men singing late into the night