The Palio di Siena is a horse race, but not just any horse race happening at a racecourse. This competition, which stirs passions and rivalries, takes place in Siena’s main square, Piazza del Campo.
It’s a special event that happens twice a year and carries almost 800 years of history. It is such a significant event in Italy that it is usually broadcasted on national television. Here, you will learn more about the Palio di Siena with useful information and tips to plan your visit.
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Medieval Spectacle in Siena
Considered one of the most authentic and vibrant medieval shows in Italy, Palio di Siena is not just a horse race; it’s an event that symbolizes the rich history and deeply rooted traditions of Siena city. This event, organized by the municipality (Comune di Siena), unfolds into a complex series of ceremonies providing visitors a window into Siena’s historical and cultural past.
The stage for Palio di Siena is Piazza del Campo, a shell-shaped square surrounded by some of the city’s most affluent and imposing buildings.
When the Palio di Siena Race Occurs
August 17th 2024
Note on the Postponement of the Palio di Siena
Due to unfavorable weather conditions, the Palio di Siena, scheduled for August 16th, has been postponed. This decision follows two previous delays of the July 2nd Palio. Yesterday, shortly after the historic parade began at 5:30 PM, heavy rainfall forced the suspension of all activities. The wet conditions made it unlikely that the tufo surface in Piazza del Campo would be safe for the horse race. Consequently, after consulting with the Deputies of the Festival and holding a meeting with the Captains of the Contrade, the city administration raised the green flag on the trifore of Palazzo Pubblico, officially signaling the postponement of the event.
The race takes place twice a year during the Italian summer: July 2nd, honoring Madonna di Provenzano, and August 16th, honoring Madonna Assunta.
Ten of the seventeen contrade (districts) of Siena participate in each race. The selection of contrade is made by draw and is based on who participated in the event on the same date the previous year.
The seven contrade who did not run in the previous year are guaranteed participation, and the remaining three are drawn from the ten that participated.
How to Watch the Palio di Siena Live
It’s possible to watch the Palio di Siena live, even for free.
If you don’t want to spend money, just organize yourself and arrive early at Piazza del Campo to secure a place in the square’s center. This could be a bit intense as you might stand for hours, cramped in a crowd, for a less-than-ideal view of the race.
The event may also be postponed due to force majeure, as happened in 2022, when the Palio of Assunta took place on August 17th because it rained on the previous day, causing the event to be delayed.
A somewhat more comfortable option is to secure a ticket in the stands set up around the square. Stand tickets come at a cost.
There’s also the possibility of watching the Palio di Siena from the window of one of the surrounding buildings.
It’s important to note that during the Palio period, Siena tends to get crowded, so it’s advisable to book your hotel in Siena in advance.
Read: How to get from Florence to Siena
How to Watch the Palio di Siena on TV
In recent years, RAI typically broadcasts the Palio di Siena on national Italian television. But since 2022, the broadcasting rights were bought by the LA7 network and Rcs Media Group until 2025.
You can watch it online:
Palio di Siena Schedule
Below is the Palio di Siena schedule with indicative times.
JULY 2nd
PALIO MORNING TRIALS
8:20 – Preliminary notice
8:40 – Start of track cleaning
9:00 – Horses leave from Podestà Courtyard
AFTERNOON TRIALS
18:45 – Preliminary notice
19:15 – Start of track cleaning
19:45 – Horses leave from Podestà Courtyard
PALIO
15:30 – First preliminary notice
16:00 – Second preliminary notice
16:40 – Start of track cleaning
17:15 – Parade of mounted Carabinieri
17:20 – Historic Procession enters the “Campo”
19:30 – Horses leave from Podestà Courtyard
AUGUST 16th
PALIO MORNING TRIALS
8:20 – Preliminary notice
8:40 – Start of track cleaning
9:00 – Horses leave from Podestà Courtyard
AFTERNOON TRIALS
18:15 – Preliminary notice
18:45 – Start of track cleaning
19:15 – Horses leave from Podestà Courtyard
PALIO
14:50 – First preliminary notice
15:20 – Second preliminary notice
16:10 – Start of track cleaning
16:45 – Parade of mounted Carabinieri
16:50 – Historic Procession enters the “Campo”
19:00 – Horses leave from Podestà Courtyard
Preparations for the Palio di Siena
If you visit Siena a few days before the official race, you will already sense the “Palio” atmosphere. Preparations for the Palio begin with the “Tratta” conducted three days before the race.
In the Tratta, horses are presented and examined by a team of veterinarians to ensure their fitness. They are then grouped and tested for their adaptability to the track.
After this phase, contrade captains gather to select the ten horses considered fittest. These horses are then randomly assigned to each contrade by draw. Each contrade receives its horse through a representative, called Barbaresco, who takes the horse to the stable.
There are a total of six trials, taking place on the morning and afternoon of the third day before the race. These trials allow the jockey chosen by each contrade to familiarize themselves with their horse and assess its condition. After the fifth trial, contrade members gather for a propitiatory dinner.
The sixth and final trial, conducted on the race day morning, is known as “provaccia” where jockeys are asked not to overexert the horses to preserve them for the actual race.
The Day of the Actual Race
The race is preceded by a historical parade, where over 600 extras representing the 17 contrade and various institutions of the ancient Republic of Siena dress in traditional costumes and march through the city streets.
The race itself involves three laps around Piazza del Campo, a shell-shaped square in Siena’s heart. The jockeys ride bareback, and the race is intense and thrilling.
A horse can win even if it crosses the finish line without its jockey, a peculiarity adding a unique and unpredictable element to the race.
After the race, celebrations commence immediately. Contrade members receive the Palio and take it to Provenzano (for the July Palio) or the Duomo (in August) to sing the Te Deum in gratitude.
From that moment on, any occasion is good to remind the city of the victory achieved in the Campo until autumn, when, between the month of September and the early days of October, the victorious district will hold the “victory dinner.” This event will be attended by thousands of contrade members, and the victorious horse will be in a place of honor.
Trailer of the Documentary about Palio di Siena
If you would like to share your experiences or have any questions, please write in the comments section below.
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