The Palio di Siena is one of Italy’s most iconic events in Tuscany, held each year on July 2nd and August 16th in Siena. During the festival, the city’s main square, Piazza del Campo, is transformed into a racetrack.  You may remember this dramatic setting from the James Bond film Quantum of Solace, in which 007 chases a villain through Siena’s underground aqueducts while the thunderous roar of horses and cheering crowds erupts above. 

The Palio is one of the most dangerous horse races in the world. In just under three electrifying minutes, bareback jockeys race three laps around the piazza’s tight, curved track, where high-speed collisions are common and victory can go to a riderless horse. The winner is the first horse to cross the finish line—with or without its jockey. Over the centuries, there have been hundreds of fatalities for both jockeys and horses. Since medieval times, this pulse-pounding event has captured the spirit of the Sienese people, blending danger with deep-rooted tradition and rivalries. 

Ten horses represent each of the city’s 17 contrade, or neighborhoods. Each contrade has its own unique flag and colors representing its historical and cultural significance. The most decorated contrada, Oca, or the goose, has had the most wins – 64 – since 1633.   

Witness the Passion, Pageantry & Power of the Palio di Siena 

The winner of the Palio di Siena receives the “Drappellone”—a large, hand-painted silk banner also known as “il Palio.” This banner is the only official prize awarded and is an immense source of pride for the winning contrada. The banner is specially designed and painted by a different artist each year, often featuring religious imagery such as the Virgin Mary, Siena’s city symbols, and motifs relevant to that year’s race. The banner is paraded triumphantly through the streets by the winning contrada in post-race celebration.  

The festivities are not only held on race day. In the days leading up the race, the city erupts into a flurry of celebration, tradition, and intense preparation. These festivities include:  

• Cene di Contrada – Each contrada hosts large communal dinners in the streets of their neighborhood.  

• Tratta – A few days before the Palio, horses are assigned to each participating contrada by lottery. Once the assignment is made, the horse becomes a temporary “sacred” figure within the contrada.  

• La Benedizione del Cavallo– On the eve of the Palio, each contrada holds an official blessing of the horse in its own neighborhood church. The priest’s prayer often ends with the words: “Vai e torna vincitore” which translates into “Go and return a winner!  

• Prove – Days before the race, trial runs are held in Piazza del Campo. Each practice is accompanied by a procession of flag bearers, drummers, and contrada members dressed in medieval garb. 

• Pageantry and Parades – Each contrada showcases its history and pride through colorful parades featuring their specific medieval costumes, drums, trumpets, and flags. These displays play homage to Siena’s historic rivalry and noble traditions and include choreographed flag-throwing sbandieratori and marching through city streets. 

• Jockey Selection – Each contrada hires a jockey—often an outsider —who must be skilled, strategic, and fiercely loyal for race day.  

This “Drappellone” banner is the only official prize awarded (there is no cash prize) and holds immense symbolic value and is a source of lifelong pride for the winning contrada.The banner is paraded triumphantly through the streets by the winning contrada in post-race celebrations and then it is housed in the contrada’s museum or oratory as a treasured symbol of victory. 

The jockey often receives a monetary reward and becomes a local hero (or villain if betrayal or underperformance is suspected). The winning horse is honored and celebrated regardless of whether the jockey finished the race.  

After the race, the winning contrada hosts days or even weeks of festivities, including processions, banquets, and religious ceremonies. Both horse races are in honor of the Virgin Mary. The July Palio is dedicated to the Madonna di Provengano.  The August Palio is dedicated to the Feast of the Assumption. 

Whether you’re watching the race from a historic balcony overlooking the square or joining locals in the spirited celebrations, the Palio offers an unforgettable, immersive journey into one of Italy’s most passionate traditions. 

Let Luxury Italian Tours guide you into the heart of Siena’s most legendary event. Experience the thrill of Siena’s legendary Palio like never before. Watch the heart-pounding race from a private window or balcony in one of our exclusive partner apartments overlooking the iconic Piazza del Campo. For a truly authentic experience, join locals for a traditional family-style dinner in the lively streets of a contrada, where centuries-old traditions come to life. From exclusive race-day views to behind-the-scenes experiences, we’ll ensure your Palio adventure is nothing short of extraordinary. 

Even if your travel dates don’t align with the Palio itself, Siena is a must-visit gem in any Tuscan itinerary. Let us craft your perfect visit—explore the storied streets of the contrade, delve into the rich history of this world-famous race, and cap off your day with a sunset aperitivo overlooking the very piazza where the magic happens.