Palio Di Siena
Explore la bellezza of Italy.
The Palio di Siena is Italy’s most famous historical horse race. It takes place twice a year, on July 2 and August 16, in the Piazza del Campo, Siena’s medieval city square. The first Palio was held in 1659.
Although the actual race lasts about 90 seconds, festivities go on for four days. Siena is divided into 17 neighborhoods, or contrade, and 10 participate in the Palio. Each contrada has its own mascot and a distinctive flag. Each contrada hires a jockey to dress in 15th-century costume in its colours.
In the evenings, the streets are filled with eating, drinking, singing, and camaraderie. On the day of the Palio, there’s a splendid parade with over 600 participants of the contrade dressed in historical costumes as well as drummers and flag throwers.
The Palio prize is the drappellone, a large painted silk canvas designed and created each year by a different artist.
