Palio di Siena

WHERE: Siena, Italy.
WHEN: 02 July and 16 August 2023

The splendid Siena, in the evocative setting of Piazza del Campo, hosts one of the oldest events. The Palio di Siena it is one of the most popular events of the Italian peninsula. A review of which there are traces, even in the distant thirteenth century!

The Palio di Siena is a competition between districts that takes place twice a year. The first race takes place on 02 July, in honor of the Madonna di Provenzano; the second, the 16 Agosto, in honor of Our Lady of the Assumption.

Anyone who thinks of a purely tourist event will have to change his mind. Try to ask some Sienese. The Palio represents the history, tradition, of Siena. It is the very essence of the city, and of a whole people. A people that is proud of its history and a tradition handed down over the centuries. During the Renaissance period, the highest political and ecclesiastical offices arrived in Siena to witness this extraordinary competition. Race that has assumed its connotations, already in the distant 1644, when the first horse race took place.

The Sienese territory is subdivided into 17 Contrade; the latter can be considered as small states. The Palio di Siena 2018 will see in the race, as usual, 10 Contrade, chosen by lot among the 17, based on a particular mechanism that allows the constant rotation of the participants. The 7 Contrade that will not take part in the July 02 race, participate rightfully to that of the 16 August. The remaining 3s will be drawn by lot.

The Palio is an event that lasts a whole year. A period of preparations and ceaseless work before the fateful dates of the race. The four days preceding the 02 July and the 16 August are the most intense, with presentations, trials and blessing of jockeys and horses, dressing.
“Go, and come back winner”. With this wish the priest’s blessing ends.

On the day of the race, expect a Piazza del Campo, packed to capacity. The Palio of Siena will win, the horse, with or without a jockey, who first made three turns in the square in a clockwise direction. Parades and festivities, for several weeks, are scheduled by Contrada vittoriosa.

Photo ©, Mirco

PRACTICAL INFO

HOW TO GET

Florence’s Amerigo Vespucci international airport is just 84 km. Rome-Fiumicino, instead, 260 km. The plane is undoubtedly the best way to reach the beautiful Siena. From Rome, Naples, Bologna and other Italian cities, the economic and efficient Flixbus, connects the city by bus every day. More info from here.

The city has a valid train station. The latter connects Santa Maria la Novella, Florence’s main station, in about 80′. The ticket costs from €9,00 per person and can be purchased at a special price, through this link.

MAIN TIMES OF THE PALIO DI SIENA

• 2 JULY 16.30 and 16 AUGUST 03:50pm – Departure of the procession from the courtyard of the Government Palace in Piazza del Duomo, to reach Piazza del Campo.
• 2 JULY at 5:20pm and AUGUST 16 at 4:50pm – The Historical Parade enters the square, according to the order of the first rehearsal.
• 2 JULY at 7.30 pm and 16 AUGUST at 7.00 pm – Departure. The Palio di Siena 2018 begins.

Given the small size of the Church, it is practically impossible for onlookers to be able to attend the blessing.