2011-08-16
Palio of Siena
A tradition since the 14th century, for the people of Siena the Palio horse-race is a matter of life and death. Ten bareback riders clash in a frenzied 90-second dash around the huge Piazza del Campo.
Thousands of spectators cram into the square from early morning. Arrive
very early or miss out - this is the biggest event of the year and space
is limited. A medieval pageant of waving silk flags, rattling drums and
passionate song heralds the race and ecstatic celebrations greet the
award of the coveted banner, decorated with an image of the Virgin Mary,
which is presented to the winning horse.
Daring, bravado,
lunacy, bribery, poisoning and death-threats have all played their parts
in the event since its inauguration in 1310. For the locals, it is the
culmination of an entire year's plotting and scheming, and for visitors
it is an unforgettable show.
Competitors are drawn from the 17 contrade
(districts) of the city. To come first crowns you in glory. For the
runner-up, ignominy and shame produce phenomenal rivalries with the
winning contrada which can rumble along for years, creating tensions
only assuaged when the vanquished win again (or more satisfying, if
their rivals lose!).
In the evening, wandering the various
contradas is fascinating. Those who have lost watch the race over and
over in their community centres, while the entire population of the
winning contrada flocks to the local church amid scenes of jubilation,
where the palio is given pride of place behind the altar. Sounds crazy?
It is. Don't miss it.
When: 16 Aug 2011
Where: Piazza del Campo, Siena, Italy
From: whatsonwhen.com
last modification: 2011-08-02
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