Siena, Italy
Divided by 17 neighborhoods, called "contrade," Siena, Italy erupts twice a year with a sense of civic pride and pageantry with their bi-annual Palio horse race. All in all, the race usually lasts about 75 seconds. However, only 10 of the 17 contrade are allowed to participate each year and -more important than allies- they have rivals. This means that for a few hours, the rivals battle at the front gate to get a good position, pulling and wrangling to get their horses aligned in a beneficial (to them) order. Only when all 10 horses are perfectly aligned (without gates, mind you) can the race begin. Don't blink; you might miss it!
The pressure is on and the entire city roars with cheering! Some are sitting around the "Piazza del Campo" makeshift auditorium benches with tickets that were long since sold out. Hundreds still stand for hours in the blaring heat of Tuscan summer in the center of the square, unable to leave for water or toilet facilities until the race is finished. But who would want to? As soon as you give up your precious and free place at the railing, the crowd will swarm and take it over.
Spend the day before the race wandering the historic and architecturally stunning streets and alleyways of Siena. Grab a classic Italian gelato and climb the steps to the cathedral "Duomo" to check out the mosaic floors and striped columns inside. Don't miss the chance to watch the Blessing Ceremony and parades of each contrade, which take place in full costume and regal.
When the race has completed and the city continues the celebration long into the night, take the opportunity to watch the sun set over the Tuscan landscape. Then, try to squeeze into the streets with beer and wine flowing unending as they engage in pure Italian and Sienese joy.
The festival takes place on July 2nd and again on August 16th this year. Find more information about tourism and tickets to book for one of the audience benches or feasts the night before the race. For more information about Siena and Tuscany, you can visit Discover Tuscany. Happy traveling!
