Il Palio di Siena 2024

Siena, Italy

Il Palio 2024: Italy’s Adrenaline-Pumping Horse Race And Festival

Il Palio is Italy’s most famous sporting event and considered one of the craziest festivals in Italy whose roots date back to medieval times. It’s held on two separate days, where 10 horse riders, representing 10 out of Siena’s 17 neighborhoods (known as contrada) race 1,000 meters in under two minutes to compete for the Palio, which is the victory flag.

‘This is not your average horse race. In fact, Il Palio is actually more about Sienese pride and civic identity.’

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Your experience at Il Palio

Race day starts with a mass, training runs conducted by the jockeys, then a blessing of the horses. The afternoons fill the gorgeous medieval streets of Siena with processions from the participants dressed in elaborate costumes, plus performances from the flag throwers.

Even though the race lasts for less than two minutes, it’s hard not to feel the pulsating energy course through your veins as the crowds cheer on and the horses’ footsteps echo through the piazza! The horses circle the track thrice all in all. The second race day consists of the other 7 contrada who weren’t able to compete during the first race, as well as three riders from the first race, which are drawn by lottery.

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Il Palio History

Even though Il Palio has been held almost every year since 1644, it’s still common for Italian husbands and wives to separate for the dates before and during the race if their contradas are competing.

On the days leading up to the race, keep your eyes peeled for la tratta, which is the traditional method of choosing the horses; as well as the 6 horse trials held on the evening of la tratta up to race day. Before race day, make sure you’ve chosen a contrada whom you can root for because it will make the entire experience way more fun. After deciding on one, buy the appropriate scarf which can easily be found for cheap at souvenir shops around the city. If your contrada wins, you might get lucky enough to attend the prestigious victory dinner!

For the Italians, this is a highly regarded festival and so winning the palio is a massive honor. For tourists, you’re guaranteed a truly thrilling experience with an electric atmosphere that no other event in Italy can match.

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Where to watch Il Palio 2024

Il Palio is held on the Piazza del Campo, and it’s worth traveling to Siena, Italy at least three days before the race. You’ll see that the Piazza del Campo has already been transformed into a race track, as the entire neighborhood prepares for the annual race.

The Il Palio races have a standing place for around 28,000 people (first-come, first-served basis) and 33,000 reserved seats, which are usually booked far in advance. The easiest way to see the race is to check out the cordoned-off section at the piazza’s center, which the locals call ‘il palco dei cani’, meaning, ‘the dogs’ stand’.

It’s completely free but if you want to secure a seat here, you should come early in the morning and be prepared to wait. The historic flag twirling can be watched from several viewpoints in the stunning town of Siena, although if you can snag a seat at the Duomo this will give you world-class views of the race.

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How to get around Siena

For exploring Siena’s historic center, you can only go by foot, bike, or scooter since vehicles aren’t allowed. But for traveling further distances, your options are taxis, buses, and car rental.

Where to stay for Il Palio

The centro storico of Siena has several great hotel choices, but do remember that they do get fully booked many months before Il Palio. If you aren’t able to get hotel rooms here, check out the hotels and Airbnb’s right outside the center.

As long as you base yourself close by a train station that heads east for Chiusi, you’ll be good.

Things to do in Siena

Siena is one of Italy’s most famous cities, for good reason! Its rich history is very much alive in its brick buildings, medieval architecture, and charming streets.

There are tons of cultural and historical attractions to fill up your days here. But make sure you pack your appetite: Siena’s traditional dishes are mouthwatering! Grilled meat, pappardelle pasta, wild boar, and so much more. Oh, and all the best Italian wine you can handle. Seriously.

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 Il Palio 2024 Dates

Il Palio happens on 2 separate days every year.

The first race Palio di Provenzano will take on July 2, 2024, on the holiday of the Madonna of Provenzano.

The second race Palio dell’Assunta will be held on August 16, 2024, on the holiday of the Virgin Mary.

Photo Credit: Il palio di siena, André Villas Boas