The Palio di Siena
Have you ever heard of the Palio di Siena? On this blog post, we will be telling you more about this deep-rooted Italian equestrian tradition that dates all the way back to the 13th Century.
The Beginning
The Palio di Siena is a traditional horse
race that takes place every year on July 2nd and August 16th
in Siena, Italy. The race has a long history: it was first held as a military
competition in the 13th century to commemorate triumphs and significant
occurrences in the city. Throughout the years, it turned into a modern-day
horse race. This event is a very significant tradition for the city's residents
- the contradaioli* have been involved in the life of the contrada** from youth, working tirelessly all year in preparation for the Palio.
Even though it
has been going on for a long time, the Palio is still a popular and exciting
event. People travel from all over the world to see it! The fierce competition
between the contrade and the thrill
of the race make it a one-of-a-kind and unforgettable experience.
* Contradaioli - The individuals who are part of the Contrade.
** Contrada – A generic name given to the different types of Italian city subdivisions. In this case, referring to the 17 Contrade of Siena which form the teams of the Palio.
The Race Day
Before the race, there is a colourful
parade with flags, banners, and musicians through the streets of Siena. It is
also accompanied by religious ceremonies making it one of the most important
events in the city. The Palio takes place
around Piazza del Campo, the city’s main square, and it is known for being
extremely competitive. A
total of ten contrade compete
in the race itself, leaving the other seven to compete next year, along with 3
others that will be
sorted in a draw.
The race involves
jockeys circling the Piazza del Campo
three times, with the entire event taking little more than ninety seconds. One
particularity of the race is that jockeys ride their horses bareback, and falls
are common. There is a lot of cheering from the city resident, waving the flags
of each contrada – there is a real
buzz around the place. The winner is the first horse to cross the finish line…
so even if a jockey has been thrown their horse might still be declared the
winner! Unlike other competitions, the contrada
whose horse finished second, not last, is deemed the race's loser. The winner
receives a hand-painted silk banner.
The Palio is also
a great opportunity to see how passionate the people of Siena are. They are
very proud of their neighbourhood and the history of their city. The race is a
way to show this sense of community and identity – often followed by amazing
street celebrations demonstrating the full extent of the Sienese culture.
Discovering Siena
Aside from the excitement of the race
itself, the Palio di Siena gives
people a chance to learn about Siena's culture and history. The city itself is
a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its medieval architecture, beautiful
streets and squares, and rich artistic history. People who come to the city can
check out its museums, churches, and old buildings, as well as its delicious
food and world-famous wines.
More information
You can learn more about Italian traditions and culture on our
riding holidays that take place in different regions across this spectacular
country.
To find out more about our rides, please visit our website. You can also contact us directly at info@equus-journeys.com or give us a call on +44 (0)1905 388 977