The Palio of Siena serves as a metaphor for those born in this Tuscan city. Held every July 2 and August 16, this spectacle has a history that began centuries ago. It is a way of life all year round for those who relive the history that enfolds in the Campo of Siena twice a year.

Siena is a city of seventeen contrade, or boroughs. While all contrade take part in the processional of the Palio, only ten participate in the bareback horse race around the Campo that takes place at the end of the march. And if the horse finishing first comes in without a rider, that contrada still wins. The horse is the star of this 90-second competition.

The horse is assigned to each contrada by lottery, and from the time each is assigned to the race, there is always a barbaresco, or caretaker, that watches over the horse, even to the extent of sleeping with the animal. This he does more to protect to horse from a competing contrada. The winning contrada takes a flag, or palio, while the horse is showered with hugs and kisses. However, if a contrada’s horse comes in second, or if a specific ‘enemy’ of a contrada wins even though that contrada may not be in the race, the members of that contrada can be seen openly sobbing.

The Palio is a passion that further unites an already tightly-knit society. From beginning of the display to the end of the race, when celebratory songs are sung by the winning contrada, there is symbolism of Siena’a past, reinforcing the unity of a people whom historically struggled to maintain their survival.