The Siena's Palio

As it was in the Middle Ages, so it is today. The Palio as we know it today came to be in 1633. Today the contrada, or communities play a central role in Siena’s bustling social life. As if they were distinct towns, each contrada has its own church where weddings are held, its own fountain where contrada baptisms are performed, its own museum where trophies are displayed and its historical buildings to preserve. Their preservation is even provided for in a special budget allotted by the Monte dei Paschi di Siena, the world’s oldest bank. In order to enjoy and appreciate the Palio, one must arrive early to experience the four days before the race. It is imperative to be in the Piazza del Campo for the “tratta” – when the ten competing horses are chosen from those presented by owners and breeders, and where lots are drawn to assign the horses to the ten contradas. This marks the beginning of four days of rising tension. The barbareschi are entrusted with the horses, which are led to the stalls located in each contrada. The jockeys, easily corrupted and of unreliable loyalty, are guarded by guardian angels to protect them from temptations offered by rival contradas. No rules hold and nothing is forbidden during the four days. The trial runs get under way and the tension rises amidst heartfelt singing, flag waving, block-long tables that follow the curves of the streets and enormous banquets that take on the importance of propitiatory rites.

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