The Palio di Siena is the most important event held in Siena and one of the most popular in Italy. Every year, on July 2nd and August 16th, the Sienese contrade compete in an exciting horse race in Piazza del Campo.
The contrade ready to compete for the Palio are 17: Aquila, Bruco, Chiocciola, Civetta, Drago, Giraffa, Istrice, Leocorno, Lupa, Nicchio, Oca, Onda, Pantera, Selva, Tartuca, Torre, and Valdimontone.
Walking through the narrow streets during the Palio period means immersing yourself in a timeless atmosphere, made up of colors, scents, and the coats of arms of the contrada tradition. The race has ancient origins; in fact, the first records of horse palii date back to the 17th century.
On the day of the Palio race, the city is in a state of great excitement, and the entire day is dedicated to the event. Around 8 a.m., in the chapel next to the Town Hall, the Archbishop celebrates the “Jockey’s Mass.” Immediately afterward, the final trial race, known as the provaccia, takes place in Piazza del Campo. At 10:30 a.m., in the Town Hall and in the presence of the Mayor, the “segnatura dei fantini” is carried out; from this moment on, the jockeys may no longer be replaced.
Around 3 p.m., each contrada holds the blessing of its horse, after which the grand historical parade begins, consisting of over 600 participants. The parade reaches Piazza del Campo around 5 p.m. (ending at the authorities’ stand around 6:30–7 p.m.), and shortly afterward a mortar blast announces the exit of the horses from the Entrone.
As they emerge, each jockey is given an ox-hide whip (nerbo), which he may use to urge on his own horse or to hinder his opponents during the race.
