Palio of Siena: what you may not know…

An exciting and fascinating race

Few events in the world are identified, in the collective imagination, with the city in which they are held: the Palio of Siena is certainly one of these. Disputed since ancient times, dating from the beginning of the Middle Ages, it is an event that has always stimulated curiosity and enthusiasm also outside the walls of Siena, due to its of charm, traditions and emotions aroused by its fierce competitive spirit. The history of the Palio, full of curiosities and anecdotes, is intertwined with that of Siena and its Contradas. The contradas are currently seventeen, but in the past there were many more, until a ruling of the City Governor in 1729 established the inner boundaries of the territory. The “carriera”, as the locals define the race, takes place in Piazza del Campo, a place that by convention is considered neutral, that is, not belonging to any district. Between thrusts, punches, restraints and behaviours always to the limit of fairness, the one that triumphs, in the end, is always the horse. In fact, even when the horse is “shaken” at the finish line, that is to say it arrives without a jockey, the contrada associated to it is considered a winner.

Rules, misconducts and traditions of the Palio

Although the race on the ring of the Piazza may seem, in its chaos, sometimes too bloody and messy, you should not think that this is a race without any rule. All the contrary, in fact: the almanacs are full of penalties imposed on individual jockeys or their conbtradas, to punish the wrongful acts in the race before and even after! For example, the Bruco was disqualified in 1945 because the people of the contrada had torn the “Cencio” (that is to say, the Palio, the ambitious standard that is awarded to the winners) for the frustration of losing the race. Many jockeys, instead, were sanctioned for obstructing their opponents during the race or for holding a colleague even before the start, the so-called “mossa.” Someone was even disqualified because, having classified in the last place, did not accept to take the prize… a pig, as the tradition stated. It was 1238, and this shows how old the roots of this competition are! Some jockeys, then, have entered the legend for literally fleeing from the race! Thus, for example, did the famous Gobbo Saragiolo, who is still the champion in terms of victories in the event, who in 1855 thought to pull straight at the curve of San Martino and abandon the square in response to the disappointing engagement that he had been assigned that year. But the Palio also follows rigorous ethical rules: for example, in the test races preceding the actual event, the horses that are ranked first and last are discarded to ensure greater competition for each participating contender. This aspect was well known also by Urbino de Ozieri, who was not a noble and proud rider, but instead a horse, who participated in just four editions, winning three: it was, in fact, disqualified for its evident superiority.

Some tips to participate in the event

If you are planning to be part of the Palio di Siena, which is held every year on July 2 and August 16, please keep in mind some small suggestions. First of all, it is not advisable to bring children, considering the crowd and confusion. In addition, you should try to respect the involvement of locals, who prepare for this event all year long and live it with the utmost emotional involvement. It is advisable not to openly criticize some aspects of the event, such as sometimes very long delays, necessary to prepare for the departure of the horses. By following these small rules of caution, you will be ready to immerse yourself in a unique, though not touristy, atmosphere, and you will be able to witness an unforgettable event.