Palio, Siena
The Palio of Siena takes place each year, on 2nd July to commemorate the miracles of the Madonna of Provenzano, and on 16th August to honour the Assumption of the Virgin. It never fails to be one of the most exciting and unforgettable events in the Italian calendar, when residents pack the main square to watch their representative horses and riders race around the famous Piazza del Campo. The rider who wins the ‘Palio’, a heraldic banner, becomes an instant hero. If he loses or partakes in one of the many bribes on offer then he risks being chased out of town by the youths of that contrada.
This exciting horse-race, run by horses representing ten of the city's seventeen contrade (districts), is not for the faint-hearted. It arouses deep passions, and the race itself that takes place round the steep sides of the Campo is a violent affair, with frequent injuries to horses and jockeys.
Bellini Travel can arrange the ultimate Palio experience that will give you a real insight into the history and excitement of this extraordinary race. We are proud to be able to offer our clients the very best views of the race from the private balconies and windows of the finest Palazzo in the Campo (also home to headquarters of the goose contrada). For those on a smaller budget we are also able to guarantee bench seats on the start/finish line which can be equally as exciting.
We allow you to experience the Palio like a true Sienese, rather than one of the thousands of tourists packed like sardines into the main square.
Not withstanding the race itself, we also arrange for our clients to partake in one of the contrada dinners that take place the evening before the race in the local piazza of each enchanting district. This is a hugely entertaining occasion when long trestle tables are set up in the square, and you will join all the locals as they sing along to their contrada’s anthem late into the night, whilst enjoying a feast prepared by the district’s finest ‘mammas’. This is something that very few people get to see, and is the true essence of the Palio.
Accommodation in Siena is extremely limited at this time of year so please book well in advance.
For more information on this year's Palio please contact emily@bellinitravel.com or call us on +44 20 7602 7602.