Porrione74
The Palio and the contrade
the tradition of siena
The Palio of Siena is not an event, nor a simple horse race: it is the very life of the Sienese enclosed in an age-old rite. To understand Siena, you must grasp the concept of Contrada. Each of the seventeen territorial divisions is a kind of "state within a state", with its own borders, its own flag, its own anthem and a sense of brotherhood that lasts a lifetime.
The Sienese year revolves around the few minutes of the race in Piazza del Campo, but the passion burns every day in the streets of the center. Entering a district means discovering hidden corners where the flag’s colors wave proudly and where the Contrada headquarters guards the "Contrada Museum", a casket of historic costumes, relics and the precious "Cenci" won over the centuries.
The Palio is an explosion of emotions: the tension of the horse’s blessing in church, the roll of drums during the Historical Parade and the freeing roar of the square at the finish line. Taking part in this event means witnessing one of the last, true expressions of medieval popular culture still intact in the modern world.
curiosity
the advice
ATTRACTION
The Contrada Museums Each district keeps its own "Contrada Museum", a true treasure chest preserving the Drappelloni (the "Cenci") won over the centuries, ancient costumes and historic relics. It’s the only way to grasp how deep the bond is between a Sienese and their land. The visit is an intimate experience that lets you discover art treasures normally hidden from the general public.
The Name of the Contrada Have you ever wondered why the Contrade have names of animals or natural elements? They come from the ancient spectacular machines that paraded in the square during medieval festivals. Today there are 17, but once there were many more. Six of these have been considered "suppressed Contrade" since 1729, but their names and borders still live on in historical memory and in the symbols of the city.
Watch the Tratta If you want to feel the thrill of the Palio without the huge crowd on race day, watch the "Tratta" (on June 29 or August 13). It’s the moment when the horses are assigned by lot to the Contrade. The joy or tears of the contradaioli at the draw will make you understand that for a Sienese the Palio is a matter of fate and of hear
Tourist Information
Access to the Square: Entry into the square’s “infield” is free, but you must arrive many hours earlier (by about 4:00 pm) and there are no toilets or shaded areas. Bring water and a hat.
Behavior: The Palio is serious business. Avoid cheering for a contrada at random if you don’t know its history and, above all, don’t take photos with flash during the solemn moments or the start.
Contrada Museums: They are regularly open on the patron-saint feast days of each contrada, but at other times you need to book by contacting the secretariats of the individual districts or via authorized tours.