The Palio of Siena

Tripoto

Siena, another one of Italy’s UNESCO sites is a small town in the region of Tuscany. Its brick buildings are characteristic of medieval times and retain that old world charm that gives Siena its unique appeal.

Photo of The Palio of Siena 1/16 by Francesca Mascarenhas
Photo of The Palio of Siena 2/16 by Francesca Mascarenhas

I only spent a few hours in the city, but that was enough to know that the people here take their traditions very seriously. I had planned it such that I would be able to witness the Palio, which coincided with the days I would be in Tuscany. Reading about it was enough to know that it shouldn’t be missed…

The ‘Palio di Siena’ that takes place twice a year is basically a horse race laced with customs and traditions from the medieval ages that the entire city comes together to be a part of. These events also have a religious angle and are held to commemorate the Feasts of Our Lady, The Visitation on the 2nd of July and The Assumption which is on the 15th of August but the Palio is held on the 16th of August every year.

Follow my picture story to know that when I compared it to the Game of Thrones sans the bloodshed, I wasn’t kidding.

Photo of The Palio of Siena 3/16 by Francesca Mascarenhas

There are different teams that compete in the race and each team represents a different ‘contrade’ or ward of the city. They wear different colours and have different seals and emblems, banners and flags to denote which team they are in.

Photo of The Palio of Siena 4/16 by Francesca Mascarenhas
Photo of The Palio of Siena 5/16 by Francesca Mascarenhas
Photo of The Palio of Siena 6/16 by Francesca Mascarenhas

Each team presents the horse rider to the City hall with a demonstration by their team comprised of flag wavers, men wielding swords, with drum rolls while sporting medieval costumes.

Photo of The Palio of Siena 7/16 by Francesca Mascarenhas

The streets are filled with supporters, most of whom who live in Siena and the rest are those who have come especially to witness this exciting event… you can see the excitement in the face of this traveller below:

Photo of The Palio of Siena 8/16 by Francesca Mascarenhas

This is so typically Italian don’t you think? And thats why we love them… Making sure the horsemen look their best before entering the main area where the race will take place.

Photo of The Palio of Siena 9/16 by Francesca Mascarenhas

The entire city is prepared and adorned for the festivities of the Palio.

Photo of The Palio of Siena 10/16 by Francesca Mascarenhas

The venue for the main race is the Piazza Del Campo seen below.

Photo of The Palio of Siena 11/16 by Francesca Mascarenhas
Photo of The Palio of Siena 12/16 by Francesca Mascarenhas
Photo of The Palio of Siena 13/16 by Francesca Mascarenhas

People gather from early in the morning to secure their spot either in the centre of the race track or in the seats around. Once the gates are closed no one is allowed to enter even if they have tickets.

Photo of The Palio of Siena 14/16 by Francesca Mascarenhas

The party after the race continues on the streets and goes on well into the night.

Watch my video on youtube via the link below for a short summary on the Palio and please do subscribe to my youtube channel too.

When you do visit, try a local cookie that Siena is famous for called Ricciarelli, it is like a biscuit made of almond paste, almost like a macaroon, but covered in sugar dust, and also the reason why my pants don’t fit anymore!

Photo of The Palio of Siena 15/16 by Francesca Mascarenhas
Photo of The Palio of Siena 16/16 by Francesca Mascarenhas

This blog was originally published on 'thechicaway'