When did the Palio of Siena originate?

The oldest document on the Palio dates back to 1238, addressing Palio justice, while definitive evidence of the first horse race dates to 1633. Thus, we can trace the origins of the Palio to 1238, in the Middle Ages, Siena’s golden age as a noble and wealthy Republic.

The horse race has been held annually since 1644 in Siena’s Piazza del Campo, twice each summer: on July 2nd in honor of the Madonna of Provenzano and on August 16th for the Assumption. Each edition is an opportunity to relive Siena’s history, celebrate its traditions, and passionately cheer for one’s contrada.

The Palio was not held only during World War I and World War II.

Palio di Siena 2024

Who is running the Palio in July 2024? Valdimontone, Pantera, Bruco, Leocorno, Lupa, Civetta, Oca, Giraffa, Nicchio, Onda.

Who is running the Palio in August 2024? Selva, Lupa, Valdimontone, Onda, Nicchio, Leocorno, and Civetta.

Who won the Palio in 2023? From the outset, Oca was among the favorites, along with Giraffa and Aquila. However, the race was not easy. Four lineups, caused by rivalries between the Contrade, and an invalid start kept fans on edge. In the end, Oca prevailed, securing its 66th victory in the history of the Palio.

The History of the Palio di Siena: A Journey Through Time of History, Tradition, and Passion

Around 1450, the city of Siena saw the birth of the contrade: associations representing the city’s districts. During this period, the Palio began to take on its distinctive form, with unique characteristics that make it one of Italy’s most exciting and engaging events to this day.

A deep bond: each jockey is lifelong linked to their contrada. They are not just a rider but a symbol, a spokesperson for the values and hopes of an entire community. Similarly, the community chooses its contrada: children choose whether to belong to their father’s or mother’s contrada (if they differ), and in the days leading up to the Palio, amid intense competition, everyone returns to their belonging contrada.

The preparation for the Palio is a communal effort: it’s not limited to the race. The contrade dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to the event, creating emblems, banners, costumes, and decorations that make each edition an explosion of colors, sounds, and traditions.

How many contrade are there in Siena? Seventeen souls, one heart: each with its own history, colors, and fervent spirit of rivalry.

• Aquila
• Bruco
• Chiocciola
• Civetta
• Drago
• Giraffa
• Istrice
• Leocorno
• Lupa
• Nicchio
• Oca
• Onda
• Pantera
• Selva
• Tartuca
• Torre
• Valdimontone

Which contrada has won the most Palios? Currently, the Oca contrada holds the record for the most victories.

The start of the Palio is a unique and adrenaline-filled moment. The jockeys, on their horses, crowd at the starting rope, ready to spring forward at the signal. There is no room for fair play: every means is legitimate to gain an advantage over rivals. The start, overseen by the starter, is a ritual that keeps everyone in suspense until the fateful cry of “Viva Maria!” signals the beginning of the race.

Three laps of Campo for glory: the race takes place on a circuit of three laps around Piazza del Campo. The jockeys, oblivious to danger, push their horses to the limit, trying to overtake each other in a whirl of colors and emotions.

A collective triumph: the Palio’s victory belongs not only to the jockey but to the entire contrada. At the end of the race, the contrada members flood the square in a burst of joy, celebrating their champion and their identity.

How Does the Start of the Palio di Siena Work?

The start of the Palio di Siena, known as “la mossa,” is one of the most exciting and anticipated moments of the entire race. It is an ancient and meaningful ritual that represents the true beginning of the competition and keeps everyone in suspense until the fateful cry of “Viva Maria!”.

The undisputed protagonist of the start is the “di rincorsa” horse, the last horse drawn by lot. Unlike the other nine horses, which line up at the starting rope in order of call, the rincorsa horse initially positions itself outside and behind the group.

The entry of the rincorsa horse into the starting rope initiates the countdown. From that moment, the starter, the person responsible for starting the race, has a maximum of one minute to lower the starting rope and begin the race.

During this time, the jockeys employ their strategies, trying to position themselves best for the start. Rivalries between contrade are always present, and it’s not uncommon for jockeys to obstruct each other to gain an advantage. Sometimes, the start can be invalidated for technical reasons or due to improper behavior by the jockeys. In such cases, the procedure is repeated from the beginning.

When the starter decides that all the horses are ready and conditions are optimal, he lowers the starting rope with a decisive gesture and shouts “Viva Maria!”. At that precise moment, the horses leap forward, starting the actual race.
The start of the Palio is a unique and unrepeatable moment that encapsulates the essence of this historic Sienese tradition. It is a blend of tension, emotion, strategy, and surprises that make each edition of the Palio a constantly different and thrilling event.