The Palio in Siena - The Famous Palio Horse Race!!!

The race starts off in the "Mossa", an area set up on the piazza delimited by two long pieces of thick rope. The "Mossiere" then calls the Contrade in the order in which they were drawn and checks that the assigned positions are respected. The first 9 Contrade take up their assigned positions in the area between the two ropes, while the last one, the tenth, enters this area at a running gallop thus signaling the start of the race.

 

Awaiting the start in Traditional fashion - www.palio-siena.com

If the start is not considered valid (this is the case if the jockeys are not in their assigned spots), a shot goes out to signal the jockeys to get back into place. This starting phase within the "Mossa" is more complicated than it seems, as the space is small and the horses are right next to each other. Rivalries run deep within the Contrade and competition is high and the worst result is to see the "enemy" Contrada win the race. The wait for the start of the race can thus be extremely long and last into twilight.

If all goes well the start of the race can occur at any time. The horses must run three laps around the Campo, overcoming dangerous points such as the very narrow curve of San Martino where collisions between the wall and between horses have led to many falls in the past (the reason why many animal activists oppose the Palio).

The first horse that crosses the finish line, even if he arrives without his jockey, wins the race. The winning Contrada receives the Drappellone, as the victorious Contrada members head towards the Church of Provenza (after the July race) or towards the Duomo (after the August race) for the "Te Deum" or prayer of thanks.

****************************************************************************************************************** Spyns is an active travel company offering small group tours to Siena, Italy Palio festival. For more information or to chat with us live about Palio and our company, please visit www.palio-siena.com or contact us info@palio-siena.com or toll-free at 1.888.825.4720. Copyright Spynstours Ltd. 2011-2015.

The Palio in Siena - A Day at the famous Palio Horse Race!!!

On the day of the Palio race the city is in full turmoil and the entire day is dedicated to the event. Around 8 a.m., in the chapel next to the Palazzo Comunale, the Bishop celebrates the "Messa del fantino" or mass for the horse jockeys. Shortly after the mass the last trial takes place in Piazza del Campo, the one called "provaccia".

The Parade in Historical Costume

At 10.30 a.m. within the Palazzo Comunale and in the presence of the mayor, the "segnatura dei fantini" takes place. The name of the jockeys are confirmed and can not be substituted from that point.

At around 3 p.m. each Contrada performs a benediction ceremony of its horse and afterwards joins in the large parade in historical costume, with over 600 participants, that winds through the city. The parade arrives around 5 p.m. at the Piazza del Campo, and ends by around 6.30-7 p.m. Shortly thereafter the explosion of a firecracker signals the entrance of the horses into the piazza. As the jockeys come out, each one receives a whip made out of ox sinew which they can use to prod their horse or to irrate the other opponents in the race.

****************************************************************************************************************** Spyns is an active travel company offering small group tours to Siena, Italy Palio festival. For more information or to chat with us live about Palio and our company, please visit www.palio-siena.com or contact us info@palio-siena.com or toll-free at 1.888.825.4720. Copyright Spynstours Ltd. 2011-2015.

The Palio in Siena - Overview of the famous Horse Race!!!

The Palio is the most important event in Siena, taking place on July 2 and August 16 every year.

In the Palio the various Sienese "contrade", or areas in which the city is divided, challenge in other in a passionate horse race in the heart of the city in the Piazza del Campo.

Originally, there were about fifty-nine "Contrade"; now only seventeen remain, ten of which take part in the historical pageant and in the race at each Palio (seven by right and three drawn by lots).

The 17 Contrade are: Eagle, Snail, Wave, Panther, Forest, Tortoise, Owl, Unicorn, Shell, Tower, Ram, Caterpillar, Dragon, Giraffe, Porcupine, She-Wolf, Goose.

Each Contrada has its own unique emblem and colors and represents an area of the city. As one walks through the streets of Siena it is easy to know in which Contrada you currently are in by observing the flags and emblems displayed along the street. Much like street signs, corners often designate the entrance into a different Contrada with signs as the ones in the picture below.

The Palio horse race has its origins in the distant past, with historical records indicating horse races in Siena already taking place in the 6th century.

The Palio is much more than a simple event for the Sienese, it actually is a large part of their lives since the time of their birth. Each person belongs to a Contrada, participates in the life of the Contrada and the organization of the Palio throughout the entire year. The Sienese live the Palio with great passion and you'll certainly be able to see this if you have the chance to attend one of the races.

In my next blog, I'll discuss the Event held each July 2, and August 16 almost without fail since the 1600's.

****************************************************************************************************************** Spyns is an active travel company offering small group tours to Siena, Italy Palio festival. For more information or to chat with us live about Palio and our company, please visit www.palio-siena.com or contact us info@palio-siena.com or toll-free at 1.888.825.4720. Copyright Spynstours Ltd. 2011-2015.