PALIO
Palio is a horse-race that happens in Siena July 2nd and August 16th at sunset time (7.15-7.45 pm in July and around 7.00 pm in August).
It’s an adrenaline shot, it’s the source of great fun, stress and vibes, to share with friends.
Palio is a fight, a battle, and a serious event, not done to attract tourists, but to proudly show who is “the best” district this time, among the 17 (10 during the race) competing.
In case of victory the town area will celebrate till winter, with parties and parades!
You want to make sure the “losers” won’t forget! Teasing is a big part of the event…
17 Contrade, possibly legions of the army of the Republic of Siena in the Middle Ages, then no profit associations and clubs – made by people living in the same area – , are considered nowadays still the social structure of town, where locals meet weekly.
It involves kids and adults, grandpas and babies, all rich in the same – not religious – “faith” for their district. They all know each other, having grown up together.
Hard to believe, we still do all of that since ages and in honor of the Vergin Mary.
To have an idea about how it’s like, put Palio di Siena on you tube. It won’t take longer than 2 minutes. The race usually lasts just 1 minute and 13 or 16 seconds!
If you are planning to come and watch it, try to book hotels and tickets in advance.
If you book a tour with me, I’ll be happy to help you putting your schedule together free of charge. Keep in mind that Siena is usually hot during the Palio days, there are lots of people around and we don’t have so many air conditioned areas as you might expect.
Tickets to attend the race are expencive (from 300€ to 700€ a person) and it will be better not to expect 5 stars comfort seats.
The options are: 1) free entrance to the infield – packed – 2) seats or standing spots on balconies (when you are sit or standing you’ll be squizzed among other people and won’t have so many options of moving, so go to the bathroom first!!!). 3) standing space at a window – make sure you know how many people will be with you there and if more than 3 try to get the front position – 4) seats on the Palchi, which means the stands, temporary built in wood by the ground floor, at different levels. Great seats! In which you’ll be right on the scene. Great if you don’t suffer the crowd. Many time no toilette close by.
At www.paliotours.com you can have some more details about costs.
At this point I hope I didn’t discourage you for coming… it’s just very important to know what to expect.
If you are coming for the Palio as I said book months in advance, try to stay longer than 2 days to understand the whole thing and take part to some parties before the race like the big street dinner the night before (cena della prova generale) and hire a guide to know what where and when things happen.
Write me!
Main events:
June 29 and August 13, lunch time : draw and assignment of the horses to the running districts
Every morning at 9 am (June 30, July 1 and 2 plus August 14, 15 and 16) a trial will be run in the square to make horses and jockeys practice. Same thing at 7.45 in July and at 7.15 in August on (June 29, June 30, July 1 and August 13, 14, 15). To attend the trails, no charge if you go to the infield. Must be there at least 30 minutes before.
Don’t panic if you see certain groups not so gently behaving one another. It’s part of the event. Once the race is over, wait still where you are for a while and when things seems calm and ok you can start moving. No need to rush and queue if you can have no problem just 10 minutes later.
Blessing of the horse in the chapel of the district:
in each running district at 3 pm in July and at 2.30 pm in August. If you really want to see something choose for the Panther or the Dragon. More space and chance to really see the horse. All the others, very very tiny churches. Hard to get in.
Procession of the candles: 14 of August from 16.30 on from the centre – chiesa di san giorgio – to the Cathedral.
More updates available through your guide.
