Siena’s Palio: The 400-year-old Thrilling Horse Race

The Palio occurs just twice each summer, on July 2nd and August 16th, and the pure excitement of this festival that has survived almost intact from the Middle Ages is unequaled in Italy.

For the citizens of Siena, the Palio is all about neighborhood pride and rivalry, and it is the continuation of a centuries-old tradition associated with religion and honor. There are marching bands decked out in medieval garb that parade through the city, bearing the flags and colors of their contrada. The men carrying the huge flags then demonstrate considerable skill by waving them in formation and throwing them to great heights – and then catching them.

Share in the excitement by booking a reserved seat in the beautiful, shell-shaped Campo and choose just how close to the action you wish to be. You’ll have a great view of the historical parade  and the sbandieratori (flag throwers) who launch their colorful banners into the air. Then, at the stroke of 7:00pm, the ten chosen horses line up at the starting line and the race begins — three laps around the piazza; don’t blink or you might miss it because this thrilling, bareback race lasts only 90 seconds!

CLICK THIS LINK TO ORDER TICKETS: Palio of Siena

Photo credit: Matt Oesterle @Flicker.com