One of our day trips from Buonconvento took us to Siena. Our timing was perfect as the week of Palio was underway. Each year on July 2 and August 16, they fill the main square in Siena (known as Il Campo) for one of the best-known festivals in Italy. A thick dirt track is laid around the perimeter of the square and 10 jockeys riding bareback run a quick 3-lap race. The 10 jockeys represent 10 of the 17 Contrade, or districts in town, each dressed in their appropriate colors. It is not uncommon for a few of the jockeys to be thrown from their horses as they make the treacherous turns in the square. It is then legal for the horse to finish the race without the jockey and still win, as it's technically the horse that represents the Contrade and not the jockey. The first known record of the event is from the year 1310, although the races in their current form did not start until 1656. Each day leading up to the big event they practice in the morning and evening, with all the pomp and circumstance they can squeeze in. The emotions and rivalries here are real and not taken lightly. To the neighborhoods this is not an event staged for tourists, but one that represents great pride and honor for the Contrade. We chose one of these practice events as the day of the actual race gets way too crowded with three kids in tow. I included an aerial photo off the internet, to show you how they pack them in for the main event.
Ella was rooting for the blue and white team, aka the Onda Contrade. They won during the practice we saw, but came in third on race day. Here she is wearing their bandana like a true fan.
You can see what I mean when I say we decided to skip the main event. Being in the middle of this mosh pit, on a hot day with three kids, is not my idea of fun. Round-the-clock TV coverage worked just fine.
