Italy - Siena
Italy
Siena -- The Palio
Piazza del Campo
The piazza is packed to overflowing with visitors and residents of Siena waiting for the start. There was a great deal of pushing and shoving, and combined with the intense heat of July, several people fainted and were carried off by paramedics. Many people, including myself, had arrived in the piazza early in the morning and by 5 pm tensions were high.
The Start
The jockeys, who ride bareback, try to jostle their opponents before the start of the race. On this particular occasion, one rider created so much trouble lining up, that eventually the judge postponed the race until the following day. That contrada, Chiocciola, was banned from the Palio for one year as a punishment!
Crash
On the second of three circuits around the track, there was a pile-up at this, the tightest corner. Three horses were injured so badly, they had to be destroyed.
The winner
The contrada of Tartuga the tortoise were the winners of this running of the Palio. Back in the contrada, there was a celebration late into the night and a huge feast was organized. All are invited, and I hear that the celebrations go on for three days!
Full details of the running of the Palio
Other pages to visit:
Italy: Travelogue 
Venice Siena
Amalfi Coast Isle of Capri Sicilian Islands
Other countries: Europe Turkey Nepal India Japan Thailand
Back to: Table of Contents Photogallery Front Page Naomi's Home Page
All text and photographs Copyright (c) 2001 Naomi S. Smith
Naomi Smith: hello@emeraldworld.net
