| The Palio is a horse race, bareback, three time around the Campo (Siena's main square), which has been run in much the same way since the seventeenth century. The rules are too complicated to explain here: look them up on the web if you are interested (www.ilpalio.org/palioenglish.htm). One thing that became very clear to us is that this is not something that is done to amuse the tourists: it is part of being a citizen of Siena, and it is taken very seriously. |
 |
|
The night before the Palio, each of the Sienese contrade (districts) that is competing holds a dinner. We are fortunate in being able to attend the dinner held by the Aquila contrada, in the Duomo square. This photo shows all the tables set up for the dinner, which had some 900 diners. |
 |
|
People taking their seats. |
 |
|
During the dinner. |
 |
|
We attended one of the practice races held in the days before the Palio, watching from inside the track. These are the people coming into the Campo. |
 |
|
The police go around and clear everyone off the track. |
 |
|
Once the track has been cleared of tables and people, the next task is to clean the rubbish off it. Note the good old-fashioned brooms. |
 |
|
Then everyone waits for the race to start. |
 |
|
One of the horses being led into the Campo. |
 |
|
The Aquila horse in full flight. |
 |
|
Everyone who took part in the parade came down the street under our window to reach the Campo. Rather than joining the crush in the Campo (where we knew we would not see much), we stayed in our room, looking at the parade preparations from our window and watching the race and other activities in the Campo on television. |
 |
|
Aquila flag-throwers. |
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
The horse that eventually won the race, for the Pantera contrada. |
 |
|
What anachronism? |
 |
|
|
 |
|
Not a comfortable costume to wear in the July heat. |
 |
|
Passing on the traditions. |
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
After the race, the clean-up starts. |
 |
|
Later in the evening, the Campo has vendors selling novelties, including these Tweety balloons. |
 |
|
Victorious Pantera contrada members celebrating. |
| In the lead-up to the Palio, we had left our car in the car park because we feared we would not be able to find a spot if we drove out. For our last two days in Siena, we were able to explore some of the nearby Tuscan sights. |
