Siena Palio – Palio delle Contrade

The 'Palio'

The Palio is Tuscany's most celebrated and a world famous festival that is held on July 2 and August 16 every year in the Campo (the main Piazza in Siena). The 'Palio' is the banner awarded as a prize for the winner of the horse race.

The roots of the Palio can be traced back to 1283. The jockeys represent 10 of the 17 contrade or districts within the walled city of Siena. The colours of the 17 Contrade each have names: wave, shell, forest, owl, tortoise, goose, giraffe, caterpillar, porcupine, eagle, unicorn, dragon, panther, tower, ram, she-wolf and snail.

The horses are chosen by the drawing of straws and are blessed at the local contrada churches prior to the race. The streets are draped in the colours of each Contrada. The edge of the Piazza del Campo is covered with sand to form the race track and dangerous corners are protected with mattresses. The outer edge is lined with tiers of seats which are chargeable to watch the race. In contrast the centre which is left open, and from which anyone can watch the race, is free of charge.

These bareback horse races are preceded by heavy betting and pageantry, but only last about 90 seconds each which is equivalent to 3 circuits of the Campo track. Following the blessing of the horses and riders in the morning there follows a lavish procession involving all 17 Contrada around the Piazza del Campo. The riders are dressed in 15th century costumes and carry their emblems while the Alfieri (flag bearers) make a great display with their pennants.

The race is dangerous and seems to have no rules. The winning contrada is awarded a palio (banner) which they then display proudly until the following year's palio. This banner has a representation of the Virgin Mary painted by a leading artist especially for the occasion.

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