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Palio The incomparable horse race in Siena |
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Why It is the world's most thrilling and frenetic public horse race. The Palio takes place in the picturesque Piazza del Campo of the Tuscan hilltop town of Siena. They ride bareback and lavishly wear the colors and symbols of their contrades (town districts. The race dates back to 1656 - and has been run virtually every year since.
Il Palio
The Palio takes place twice a year:
If you cannot make those race, you can view "trial" races that are held before each race date.
The race consist of three laps around the piazza. The horses run on a narrow track around the perimeter of the square.
The horses gallop at breakneck speed and the race lasts just 90 or so seconds. The horse that crosses the finish line first wins, with or without its jockey.
The contestants are the 17 contrades of Siena, each represented by a jockey and horse. The winning contrade is awarded a banner named Il Palio, which lends its name to the race. Due to the limited space, only ten horses can enter each race. Ten contrades are selected to participate in the July 2 race. The seven left out are automatically entered for the August 16 race. The horses for the remaining three slots in the August race are randomly selected from the 10 horses that ran in July. This means 3 contrades get to participate in both races
Il Palio is known for its unscrupulous tactics. This can take form in bribery (paying off another contrade to lose or to keep another horse from winning), in doping (a horse), or in unsportsmanlike conduct (such as a jockey whipping a competitor's horse or rider). You may even see jockeys making last-minute deals at the starting line.
An estimated 50,000+ standing spectators jam the piazza to watch the race. Admission is free there, but you must arrive many hours before the race to find a spot. About 2,000 spectators view the race from surrounding bleachers, balconies, terraces, and windows (tickets for those elevated viewing points are expensive and go fast).
In some years, accidents occur to horses, jockeys and spectators.
Each race is preceded by a 3-hour parade-pageant. Participants include costumed riders, walking banner-twirlers and rhythmic drummers.
On the eve of the race, each contrade holds an outdoor banquet with rows of block-long community tables. Its purpose is to practice tomorrow's victory dinner (each contrade is thoroughly convinced its horse will win). These exuberant feasts are filled with camaraderie, music and copious food servings. Try to get an invitation.
View my gold, silver & bronze medal
winners in Italy
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I hope your Italy travel dreams come true - and that my Palio page helps you enjoy your vacation, tour or trip ©2008 HQP / Hillman Quality Publications
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Dates
July 2
