Il Palio si Corre Tutto l’Anno
More than just a horse race, the Palio is the ultimate expression of civic pride. Although usually run just twice a year (2 July and 16 August, with the occasional “extraordinary” event), the spirit of the Palio is felt every day in Siena. Join me for a walking tour of Siena to truly understand the traditions of this unique city.
Palii 2024:
PALIO 17 AUGUST 2024 at 19.00 (postponed due to rain on 16th) : • Selva 🌳🦏 • Lupa 🐺 • Valdimontone 🐏 • Onda 🐬 • Nicchio 🐚 • Leocorno 🦄 • Civetta 🦉 • Chiocciola 🐌 • Oca 🪿 • Istrice 🦔 •
And the winner was…LUPA 🐺🤍🖤🧡!! • Watch replay here (with commentary by yours truly - go to the 46-min mark!) or click here • For my analysis, click here or here! •
2 July 2024: • Valdimontone 🐏 • Pantera 🐆 • Bruco 🐛 • Leocorno 🦄 • Lupa 🐺 • Civetta 🦉 • Oca 🪿 • Giraffa 🦒• Nicchio 🐚 • Onda 🐬 •
• And the winner was…ONDA 🐬🤍🩵!! • For my analysis and the replay, click here! •
Palii 2025:
2 July 2025: • Tartuca 🐢 • Chiocciola 🐌 • Drago 🐉 • Selva 🌳🦏 • Istrice 🦔 • 6? • 7? • 8? • 9? • 10? •
Five Contrade will run by right (because they did not run in July 2024), and FIVE will be drawn by lot (since Aquila and Torre are disqualified) on 25 May 2025.
16 August 2025: • Pantera 🐆 • Tartuca 🐢 • Drago 🐉 • Bruco 🐛 • Giraffa 🦒 • Aquila 🦅 • 7? • 8? • 9? • 10? •
Six Contrade will run by right (because they did not run in August 2024), and FOUR will be drawn by lot (since Torre is still disqualified) on 6 July 2025.
If you are here during the actual Palio (2 July or 16 August), please plan accordingly! You are welcome in Siena, but the Palio ultimately is for the Sienese and thus a major part of their identity. You must learn how to navigate the city well to show respect for the Contrada members and to get the most out of this incredible experience (which I guarantee you will remember forever - just ask my Dad!).
It is free to watch the practice races (prove) and the Palio from inside the Campo, but you must book months in advance to get a seat the stands. The practice races are less stressful (they provide the opportunity for horse and jockey to get to know each other - it is a bareback race, after all!), and the morning ones provide the best opportunities for photos.
So how does this American know so much about the Palio? Well, I’m still learning! But I am a baptized member of my Contrada and help out where I can by painting the braccialetti (Contrada street lamps) and showing guests and students our museum. I also happen to be the English voice of the Palio!
Providing commentary for such an exciting race is much more difficult than it seems!! Here, the calm before the absolutely incredible August 2023 Palio.
A thrilling 90 seconds
Click on the button below to watch the races with English commentary!
The 17 Contrade:
The last Palio before Covid-19 hit, from 16 Aug. 2019 (commentary in English by yours truly!).
Watch the incredible chase scene through Siena during the Palio from “Quantum of Solace”!
Important Palio dates & Times:
• Night Trials (le Prove di Notte): 27 & 28 June – 12 August (5.30-7.30)
• Selection Trials (le Batterie): 29 June – 13 August (7.00)
• Assignment of the Horses (Assegnazione dei Cavalli): 29 June (ca. 12.00) – 13 August (ca. 13.00)
• 1st Trial (Prima Prova): 29 June (19.45) – 13 August (19.15)
• 2nd Trial (Seconda Prova): 30 June (9.00) – 14 August (9.00)
• 3rd Trial (Terza Prova): 30 June (19.45) – 14 August (19.15)
• 4th Trial (Quarta Prova): 1 July (9.00) – 15 August (9.00)
• 5th Trial (Prova Generale): 1 July (19.45) – 15 August (19.15)
• Mass for the Jockeys (Messa del Fantino): 2 July (7.45) – 16 August (7.45)
• 6th Trial (la Provaccia): 2 July (9.00) – 16 August (9.00)
• Blessing of the Horse (Benedizione del Cavallo): 2 July (15.00) – 16 August (14.30)
• Historical Procession (Corteo Storico) leaves from each Contrada (going to Duomo then Campo)
• Piazza del Campo closes: 2 July (18.15) – 16 August (17.45)
• Palio - si corre! 2 July (19.30) – 16 August (19.00)
la terra in Piazza
Want to know more?
There are numerous publications on the Palio, but I highly recommend La Terra in Piazza: An Interpretation of the Palio of Siena by Alan Dundes and Alessandro Falassi. For a lighter read, check out Robert Rodi’s quest to become a contradaiolo in his hilarious (and highly informative) Seven Seasons in Siena. Uoi will also enjoy Andrea Moneti’s beautiful collection of photographs from his a year with the Contrada del Leocorno in Siena, in Contrada. A Year within its Thousand Borders.
Protecting the Palio
The non-profit website ilpalio.org is a fantastic resource for all things Palio, and they have some key information translated into English here. Another great resource is https://www.thepalio.eu (in English and Dutch!). Because the Palio is such an important cultural institution, there is a consortium dedicated to protecting it, the Consorzio per la Tutela del Palio. Also helping to safeguard Sienese traditions is the Comitato Amici del Palio, made up of volunteers from all 17 Contrade. There is a saying here: “Il Palio si corre tutto l’anno” (“the Palio is run all year round”). This isn’t just a horse race we’re talking about, but 8 centuries of glorious civic pride.
Admit it, you want to know what this coat means, don’t you?! Well, You’ll have to visit to find out!
How long does it take to run the approx 990m? This long!
Sweeping down the “pista” (track) before the horses arrive for the final selection trials.
Anywhere in the Piazza is amazing, but sometimes you get a really privileged view!
With my nieces - what a special experience.
It’s nice to have friends in high places!
