Siena Palio

A horse race unique to Sienna takes place in the Piazza del Campo twice a year (miss it the first time around? Catch it August 16th). In the vivid colors of their contradas (the seventeen tight knit neighborhoods each represented by a horse and jockey), the day begins with a somber blessing from the local church followed by a mad rush to secure a place amongst the other 50,000 viewers watching the event from the center of the track. Once the secret alliances and deals are made, the rope drops and the horses and riders take off at breakneck speed, tearing around the makeshift track and lapping the screaming townspeople. Unlike other more traditional races, the coveted prize goes to whichever horse crosses the finish line...with or without the rider. This race represents centuries of rivalry's and is a friendly way to bring the districts together. It's a day of feasting, betting and community pride for the Tuscan people and festivities promise to be memorable for both local and tourist attendees.

Links

• Website: http://www.premier.net/~Italy/palio.htm
• Website: http://www.initaly.com/info/palio/palio.htm