Evenementen in Florence en omgeving: detail
Van 29 Juni 2008 tot 16 Augustus 2008
The Palio of Siena
Few events have the fascination of the Palio of Siena. On the one hand, its ancient tradition that originated in the middle ages, on the other the world's most unique setting in Piazza del Campo, shaped like a seashell, plus the complex ritual that regulates it and, finally, the enormous passion that the Palio arouses in the Sienese, divided into districts, who transform themselves into bitter enemies for the occasion.
There are 17 districts in Siena but only 10 can race in the each Palio. So, in addition to the 7 that didn't run the last time, lots are drawn to choose the other three.
The atmosphere on the day of the Palio is tense: when the big bell in the tower gives the signal, the young people representing the districts don their splendid costumes. Each district that will run on the Campo has its horse blessed. The excitement continues to grow during the historic parade that precedes the Palio, during which each district marches with its flag-wavers.
The start of the race is given by the tenth district, which drops the rope that holds the horses. These bolt at great speed with jockeys grabbing their necks in a mad dash that circles the track three times. Sometimes the jockeys fall off but, if a riderless horse keeps its "spennacchiera", the head decoration with the districts colors, it stays in the race.
The winning district carries horse and rider in triumph and organizes a great feast that lasts all night.
When:
the Palio of Siena is held two times a year: on 2 July and 16 August.
The event starts at 17:00 but it's a good idea to get to Piazza del Campo well before to get a good place.
Nozio © 2008
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