Palio di Siena

The Palio di Siena is the culmination of an entire year’s efforts. It more than just a horse race in Tuscany, it is a unique cultural phenomenon. Twice annually, on July 2 and August 16, Siena's main square transforms into a medieval horserace track. This bareback race lasts about a minute and 15 seconds, just enough to run three times around the Piazza del Campo square, which is the equivalent of some 1,200 metres (less than a mile).
In essence, the race is a contest between different districts of Siena called “contrade.” Siena has a population of 60,000 yet there are a total of 17 contrade and only 10 compete in any given Palio. The contrade are a crucial part of the Siennese population, every contrada has its own museum, fountain and baptismal font, motto, anthem, allies, and adversaries. Each contrada is named after a different animal including a giraffe, caterpillar, she-wolf, porcupine, goose, and even a unicorn.
Preparing for the Palio, each contrada has raised money and elected a captain. Once elected, the captain is responsible for hiring a jockey and, most importantly, negotiating alliances with other districts. While districts are free to hire their own jockeys, horses are selected by lottery 4 days before the race. The winner of each race is given a silk banner, which proudly hangs in the contrada’s church.

Published 02.07.2010