Italian horse racing. The most amazing thing about the palio races in siena. Palio Legnano - Legnano, Milan, Lombardy
Twice a year - July 2 and August 16 - Italian Siena plunges into the excitement and feverish movement of a real medieval holiday - the famous Palio horse races. A heated confrontation of communities, global preparation and, finally, an impressive climax - all this is about this traditional event, which attracts more and more travelers every year. What is so compelling about horse racing in the city's main square, Piazza del Campo? It is better to see once with your own eyes than to hear or read 100 times!
Tour duration: from 1 day to a week.
Tour dates in 2020: upon request.
The cost of tickets for the event:
| Ticket category | Description | Price |
| Sectors 51, 52 and 53 | Seats in these sectors are not numbered and are wooden benches without cushions. | from 410 € |
| Sector 50 and adjacent | It is located in the San Martino area, which offers views of a sharp turn, in which some of the participants usually leave the race. The disadvantage of this area: the shadow comes here only around 7 pm, while in the start area it gets cool much earlier. | from 440 € |
| Sector 32 | Places with a good view of most of the track | from 475 € |
| Sectors 12 to 24 | Located in the start and finish area of the races | from 600 to 700 € |
| Seats in the windows of the houses surrounding the area | Access to private property, where the most convenient places are located, from where the entire area is perfectly visible. | from 3220 € per window (no more than 4-5 people) |
Palio Horse Racing - Siena, Italy
Description of the offer
Siena is a picturesque European town that has preserved medieval traditions to this day. In the 13th century, it was declared an independent republic, which in terms of its influence and number of inhabitants was comparable to London or Paris of that era. In those early days, Siena was in tense relations with nearby Florence, and at the same time consisted of 17 contrada districts, which, in turn, competed in military prowess and tried in every possible way to identify a leader.
It was then that the tradition of carrying out Palio was born - horse races. Surprisingly, the race itself lasts only 90 seconds, and preparation for it takes several months and requires a lot of energy from the city residents! The tradition has remained unbreakable for many centuries, and now, as in the distant XIII century, the event is held 2 times a year - on July 2 and August 16. The official celebrations start 4 days before these dates, so it is best to plan your visit with this in mind so as not to miss out on anything interesting.
On the first day of the official celebration, a lottery is held in the main city square, with the help of which it is found out which horse for the races goes to each of the contrad districts. After that, the participating teams select riders and take part in training races, which take place 2 times a day.
Palio Horse Racing - Siena, Italy
On the last night before the Palio competition, each team organizes a delicious open-air dinner party on their premises and invites completely outsiders to it. And in the morning, the contrada participants hold a solemn parade with flags, drummers and procession participants dressed in traditional medieval outfits. The parade runs through the streets across the city and ends with a colorful performance.
And, finally, on the main day of the holiday - July 2 or August 16 - the long-awaited race takes place! The winning team becomes the owner of a special pennant painted by one of the famous artists. On this evening, the winner-contrada organizes a festive dinner and invites everyone to share the celebration with them. By the way, if you think that this is all, then you are very mistaken. Stories are known of cases where the winning team held lavish celebrations for several months.
By the way, you can watch the legendary horse races in Siena absolutely free of charge. The entrance to Piazza del Campo is free, but it should be borne in mind that the event takes place during the hottest months in this region of Italy. And if you enter the event, then leaving the square before its end will be very problematic. Most likely, you will have to be there for at least two hours. You can also take seats in the arena around the square or visit the locals who live near the square (but for a fee). In addition, comfortable seating in the stands is available, providing an excellent view of the various sections of the race.
You can combine your rest in Siena with a visit to horse races with interesting excursions around the picturesque region, accompanied by a Russian-speaking guide.
Palio Horse Racing - Siena, Italy
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In this article, we'll explore 15 of Italy's most spectacular palios, starting with the world's renowned testimony to the ancient Italian tradition of agility and skill tournaments.
Brave riders and fast horses, well-aimed archers and brave knights, noble gentlemen and ladies, servants and jesters - all these are the protagonists of some of the most exciting events that take place throughout Italy every year, gathering thousands of onlookers who want to plunge headlong into the emotions of the Middle Ages ...
Indeed, visiting Palio is something truly exciting. In cities where famous competitions are held, such as, on the days of the Palio, the atmosphere is heated to the limit, because this event, as in ancient times, is very important for each local resident and each individual area.
Do you want to become a participant in a bright action? Then head to one of the Palio below!
Palio of Siena - Siena
The Palio of Siena is one of the most famous historical competitions in the world. The famous horse races take place in Siena twice a year in July and August (2nd and 16th, respectively) in Piazza del Campo, starting from the end of the 16th century. For the Palio (banner with the symbols of the city), representatives of 17 historical quarters of the city are fighting - contrad. Since there are quite a lot of contrades - 17 - the competitions are held twice: in July, 10 contrads are fighting for the victory, in August - the remaining 7 (plus three participants, selected by lot from the riders of last year's races).
However, the most mesmerizing action is not so much Palio himself as the magnificent historical parade - Corteo Storico, which precedes the races.
Note that jockeys representing the contrada have, oh, how difficult it is: the fact is that they have to come to the finish line first, driving a bareback horse, and staying in the saddle becomes even more difficult task, since Piazza del Campo on competition days sprinkled with a thick layer of earth.
After the end of the race and after the winner has been determined, the festivities in Siena continue all night.
Palio Asti - Asti, Piedmont
Since 2000, the city has been striving to revive the event in a modern style, but without forgetting its great historical value.
Palio Booti - Bootie, Pisa, Tuscany
Seven areas preparing for the Sant'Antonio Abate race. These are the Palio di Buti, an exciting horse race held in a Tuscan town in the province of Pisa on January 17th. Perhaps you have never heard of this tiny town. however, connoisseurs of the Middle Ages and horse racing are well aware of this place, because after Palio Siena and Asti, Palio Buti is the most famous in Italy.
The competition takes place on the main street of the city in the afternoon. In the morning, Mass is celebrated in the city church and the jockeys participating in the races are blessed, and then all guests and participants are given a delicious tripe and wine is poured. This continues until the start of the historic costumed procession of each district, led by a jockey to represent them, who is ready to compete with the opponent at the end of the day.
Palio Legnano - Legnano, Milan, Lombardy
In 2016, these races were held on May 29 - and as always it was a great success. The Palio is held annually in Legnano, a city in the province. The tradition of organizing horse races for the Palio was born with the victory at the Battle of Legnano in 1176 by the allies of the Lombard League under the leadership of Frederick I Barbarossa.
The rivals, as usual, are the districts, whose residents parade through the city, from east to west, dressed in historical military uniforms.
Palio del drappo verde - Verona
The great Dante himself wrote about this famous competition in Song XV "Hell". This fact alone is enough to be seriously interested in the event, isn't it?
And if you think about the fact that the race is being organized in one of the most beautiful cities of the peninsula, the land of Montague and Capulet, love, poetry and ... the Green Banner (the prize is reserved for the winner in race walking).
In June of this year (on the 11th and 12th), 599 Palio were held: yes, this is the oldest race walking competition in the world.
Palio del Golfo (Palio of the Bay) - La Spezia
Palio Bay in La Spezia is a historic rowing competition that takes place annually on the first Sunday in August in the middle of the beautiful Bay of Golfo dei Poeti.
The boat crews of thirteen coastal borgo, which overlook the bay, are taking part in the race for the galvan prize. Before the start of the competition, a colorful parade of participants takes place along the streets of La Spezia, which the fans support as best they can: dances, songs and flags.
Palio Ferrara - Ferrara, Emilia Romagna
Slowly and surely, we come to the oldest Palio competition in the whole world! We are talking about Palio, a competition that is especially important for the region and Italy in general.
Palio received the status of an official celebration in 1279 - since then the rules and timing of the event have changed slightly, but the festive spirit of the city has remained unchanged.
The competition is usually held in May between eight local areas (San Giorgio, San Paolo, San Giacomo, Santo Spirito, Santa Maria in Vado, San Luca, San Giovanni and San Benedetto) within the medieval city walls.
The jockeys and their horses are the protagonists of this event, bringing the center of Ferrara to life with parades, music and exciting races.
A great opportunity to remember the Renaissance, the time when Ferrara really shone in all its glory!
Palio del Oca - Calli (Pesaro Urbino)
"Giuoco dell'Oca" is a real explosion of emotions! The competition takes place in Cagli, in the province of Pesaro-Urbino, in mid-to-late June (in 2016, from 11 to 26). This historic event is an exciting competition with a humorous flavor, timed to coincide with the day of the patron saint Gerontius. What is the essence of the competition? Palio runs between 4 districts (S. Agostino, S. Andrea, S. Angelo, S. Francesco), which compete with each other in a dice game. This competition has a lot of rules, almost as many as the fun that the buffoons of the medieval motorcade, which takes place shortly before the competition, give the audience!
Jostra della Quintana - Foligno, Perugia, Umbria
In June and September, the relay passes to Perugia's Foligno, where the Jostra della Quintana is held annually, a knightly tournament that is rightfully considered the most difficult and interesting competition of its kind in Italy.
We are talking about the historical reconstruction of the tournament, which took place in February 1613, but similar competitions were held in Foligno earlier, starting in 1448, according to the chronicle sources.
The name of the tournament comes from the name of the Roman camp "Quinta", where in antiquity soldiers were trained in a special way: armed with spears, they were trained to fight the enemy on the spot on suspended rings.
Today, representatives of 10 city districts compete in this skill at Piazza Grande. The rider on a galloping horse must hit a series of rings with a spear in each round, and their diameter decreases with each round.
Traditionally, before the start of the fight, a historical parade is held through the streets of the city with the participation of about 1000 people in 17th century clothing.
Jostra Cavalleresca - Sulmona, L "Aquila, Abruzzo
Incredible, spectacular, impressive. All these definitions perfectly describe the knightly tournament of Jostra Cavalleresca, which takes place in Sulmona, the delightful city of Abruzzo, located in the province of Lacuila. This competition also took place since the dawn of time and consisted of an equestrian battle between two knights, one of whom was armed with a spear. Today, of course, human purpose no longer exists, but so far the competition simply electrifies emotions, recalling how fearless and courageous the knights were during the troubled times of the Middle Ages.
The bouts last two days at Piazza Maggiore and take place on the last weekend of July.
La Sartilla - Oristano
In Oristano, the word "Carnival" is consonant with the word "Sartilla" - traditional horse races, for participation in which in February (the last Sunday of the Carnival, "fat" Tuesday) riders come from all over.
As in any Palio, participants must wear their own historical colors and have a personal coat of arms. Riders compete in the ability to stay in the saddle, in speed, as well as in agility - one of the competitions is horse racing, in which a galloping participant, while in the saddle of a horse, must pierce a star with a sword. The winner is the rider who pierces the most stars. An interesting part of the competition is the acrobatic exercises in the saddle - "parilla".
Thousands of tourists from all over the world come to see "La Sartilla" every year.
Palio Marinaro - Taranto, Puglia
This Palio was established in 1986 and has since become one of the most anticipated summer events in the world, a tribute to the sea and ancient traditions. It takes place in two stages: one - on May 8 on the occasion of the holiday of San Cataldo, the other - in July, it is then that the prize is awarded to the winner. What is the competition? This is a maritime regatta with 10 ships representing 10 city districts.
The partner of the event is the Naval Academy, which at the end of the regatta organizes a beautiful gala evening in the Aragonese castle.
Palio delle Botte - Avellino, Campania
Every year on August 12, Avellino hosts an interesting tournament - Palio delle Botte. On this day, all the medieval traditions of the city are revived: it was then that the tradition arose to compete with quarters in the skill ... of rolling barrels.
I must say, this is not an easy matter, given that the weight of the barrel is neither more nor less, but as much as two tons. The teams from the seven city districts start the arduous journey from the Church of Monsserrato to tackle the arduous path of about 450 meters along Corso Umberto I, ascending the mountain at the finish line. A real test of strength, endurance and skill of the inhabitants of the Contras, you must agree!
Horse racing- one of the most favorite entertainments and competitions of mankind. How many winners drank from effervescent cups on the lists and hippodromes, how many awards the horses received (up to the senator's mantle) - you can't count. And even now, when the iron car is everywhere replacing the racing horse, big jumps will continue - as long as the horses beat their hoof in the city of Siena, on the world famous Siena Palio: the largest and most pretentious gathering "district by district" in the world.
Big jumps Palio de Siena are held every year on July 2 and August 16. The history of this competition begins in 1590, and, as often happens, at its source is the will of the ruler of the city. But the local duke did not command the Sienese to arrange races - on the contrary, he forbade ... bullfighting, which was then a favorite pastime not only in Spain, but also in Italy. The Siena did not grieve for long, and decided to replace them with dangerous races - after all, without spectacles and bread for the people does not go down their throats. First they tried to ride bulls, then donkeys - but in 1656 it dawned on someone that they could ride horses.
And so it happened. Every local area - contrada- still exhibits his team at the races. At the same time, the meaning of symbols and colors is no less than in football. And how poetic the names of the districts are! Niccio-Sink, Oka-Goose, Torre-Tower, Tartuka-Turtle, Leocorno-Unicorn ... " What a contradiction are you, kid?"-" From the contrada of the Little Owl! "- such a conversation can be quite heard in the amazing city of Siena. Each contrada has its own fountain, baptismal, square, museum and a special motto - and the one born in it will be the" Eagle "or" Snail "for the whole a life.
And all these district teams, all the colors and banners, can be seen in the procession leading up to the great races: the historic Corteo Storico parade. And after the parade, Palio himself begins. From 17 districts of Siena only 10 compete, who have shown themselves well before - and the rest enviously bite their elbows.
The races are held at a distance of 1 kilometer, and the intensity of passions is such that horses arrive at the finish line without a rider: in this case, the prize is awarded to the horse itself, and not to the jockey. And the final big races in Siena, regardless of the results, there are mass festivities in which all areas are reconciled. The Eagle and the Turtle, the Snail and the She-Wolf are having fun under the Italian sky: making friends is more fun than competing!
Every year, hundreds of thousands of tourists flock to the Italian city of Siena to see, in addition to the ancient architecture, the famous Palio races. There is something like that in the very word "Horse Racing", and the upcoming horse racing in the medieval city heralds just an extraordinary sight!
The Palio horse race (Il Palio) is held in Siena twice a year - on July 2 and August 16 and is a completely unique phenomenon, because the traditions of the Palio have remained practically unchanged for many centuries. The races, which take place on 2 July, are named Palio di Provenzano after Madonna di Provenzano (there is a church of the same name in Siena). Palio, held on August 16, is called Palio della Assunta in honor of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin.
Initially, the races were carried out on bulls, then on donkeys. It is believed that the first palio involving horses took place on July 2, 1656. In recent years, the Sienese found few spectacles, and they began to periodically arrange additional, third races from May to September, timed to coincide with significant events, such as, for example, the onset of the Millennium or the 100th anniversary of the unification of Italy.
The races are preceded by a special ritual of Corteo Storico, which is exactly the same as the medieval one. The races themselves last no more than one and a half minutes. 10 horses race three times around the famous Piazza del Campo, the total length of the distance is about 1 kilometer. By tradition, riders ride without a saddle and often fly off the horse at sharp turns. A horse can win races alone - it is the horse that is awarded the victory. The rider, in case of victory, receives a cash prize, and the contrado goes to the Palio - a silk banner with the image of the Madonna and the baby.
There are 10 horses participating in the Palio, representing 10 contrades (districts). In total, there are 17 contrades in Siena today, earlier there were up to 80.
Contras of Siena:
1. Aquila (Eagle)
2. Bruco (Caterpillar)
3. Chiocciola (Snail)
4. Civetta (Owl)
5. Drago (Dragon)
6. Giraffa
7. Istrice (Porcupine)
8. Leocorno (Unicorn)
9. Lupa (She-wolf)
10. Nicchio (Shell)
11. Oca (Goose)
12. Onda (Wave)
13. Pantera
14. Selva (Forest)
15. Tartuca (Turtle)
16. Torre (Tower)
17. Valdimontone (Ram)
Contrades were formed in the Middle Ages and play a significant role in the life of the Sienese. Contrada lives like one big family, sharing joys and sorrows together. Of course, every contrada has allies and opponents. Belonging to the contrada persists even after marriage; born boys belong to the contrade of the father, girls - to the contrade of the mother. The counters of the Goose and She-Wolf have no allies, and the counters of the Caterpillar, Dragon, Giraffe and Forest have no official opponents.
About a month before the races, Siena begins to adorn the flags of the contrades. Residents also dress up in matching caps and bandanas. 3 days before the races, June 29 and August 13, respectively, out of 30 horses, the 10 best are selected and a draw is held to determine which horse will represent which counter. Which 10 contrades out of 17 will take part in the Palio is determined by alternating the performances of 7 contrads and by drawing the missing three contrades.
The racing area on the square is fenced off and a special ground cover is poured, which simultaneously protects the ancient pavement from damage and the legs of horses from possible injuries. On the eve of the races, several trial runs are held, accompanied by processions with music and songs, as well as long feasts after the races. On the day of Palio, a dress rehearsal is held in the morning, after which the riders, along with the horses, go to the church for a special rite of passage. The priest reads a prayer, after which he admonishes each horse with the phrase: "Ve torna vincitore (Go and return with victory)." The races themselves are held at sunset, when the heat of the day subsides.
Having studied all of the above, we went to Siena, realizing that we would see something completely unique. At the southern gate of the city we were greeted by the Onda (Wave) flags of the contrada. The symbol of this contrada is the dolphin, the colors are blue and white. Contrada's motto: "The color of the sky, the power of the sea" ("Il colore del cielo, la forza del mare"). Contrada Volna has the title of captain's contrada, in the past, its soldiers carried the guards of Palazzo Pubblico.
It was the day of trial races on June 30, but no fewer tourists came from that. Everyone moved along the decorated streets to the main square, Piazza del Campo. Tables were prepared in the streets for the evening celebrations. On that day, the residents of Contrada Volna did not yet know that it was their horse that would come first on July 2, 2012.
The streets of Siena gradually became almost deserted.
On the day of the Palio's races, Plaza del Campo is always packed to capacity. All the balconies of the houses overlooking the square are also occupied, despite the fact that for this pleasure you have to pay from 500 euros. The spectacle from Siena is televised and overshadows all other Italian news that day.
Before the start of the race, the police had some difficulty clearing the fenced-off track.
The audience froze in anticipation.
From time to time, men sang a hymn with inspiration.
In general, entertainment is more popular among the men of Siena, it seemed to me. Visiting tourists, however, also really liked it.
The process of building horses traditionally lasts much longer than the races themselves. The tradition was followed in the test drive.
Semi-wild horses were not very willing to line up in the right order.
The races themselves passed, or rather galloped, so quickly that we simply did not have time to take photos. But the video quite conveys the atmosphere of the event.
There was no winner this time, so after the race all the horses were in the spotlight of the audience and reporters.
After the races, we walked around Siena in the stream of tourists, and even managed to have dinner in a small restaurant. Finding a free table on such an evening was not easy.
By Palio, absolutely everything in Siena is decorated with colorful flags and coats of arms of contrades, even the showcase of the famous Nannini pastry shop. Caps and silk scarves with Palio symbols are sold at all corners.
In the rays of the setting sun, the Siena Cathedral Duomo di Siena of the 13th century looked luxurious.
The cathedral was closed, that evening even the clergy were in Plaza del Campo!
When it got dark, tables of the nearest restaurants were set up on the main square of Siena, Piazza del Campo, directly on the race track. On the ground were still visible traces of horseshoes of recently galloping horses.
In the center of the square, the local orchestra was slightly out of tune, playing popular melodies, but the mood of those around it only lifted up.
The waiters ran off their feet, taking orders for wines and traditional Tuscan cuisine. The famous Italian chocolate ice cream served on fire turned out to be great.
The celebration of the Palio trial horse race (a great occasion!) Continued throughout the city, not just in the main square. We had the opportunity to make sure that the contrada in Siena is almost a family education.
On Sunday, processions of the inhabitants of the contrades in medieval dress were expected to the beat of drums. It seems that you can come to Siena every day, it won't be boring. In this beautiful city, you can get bored with great pleasure walking along the perfectly preserved medieval streets. The gaze stops at something literally every minute. Siena is rightly considered one of the most beautiful and interesting cities in Italy. Every stone, every doorknob here has its own story.
The last thing we saw in Siena was the contrada fountain Wave in the form of a dolphin, which is the symbol of this contrada. They say that the favorite pastime of tourists in Siena is the search for all the fountains and other attributes of contrades. Each contrada has its own flag, motto, square, museum, fountain and baptismal.
Oh, how much more we have not had time to see and learn in this wonderful city! More precisely, we did not have time for anything at all in one evening!
Finally, another shot of the shining lights of the night Siena, already from the car window. I didn't want to leave at all ... We will definitely come back!
Neither heat nor crowds of people stop tourists who travel to Siena from all over the world. The photo shows a panorama of Siena, opening from the vineyards of Tuscany.
We have contracted this racing virus a long time ago and have come to Siena for the third time. We were lucky to see some very interesting and unusual events. The July 2017 Palio will go down in history as the Palio of Defiance. The horses have shown who is in charge on the Palio!
Our life experience brought us to Plaza del Campo a few hours before the races. The first time, arriving shortly before the start, we could not squeeze to the most convenient place near the fence. they could not get into the crowded square at all, at some point the police cut off access. But this time we came a long time ago! Around the square was full of police, metal detector frames were installed.
We looked into the courtyard of the Palazzo Publico. I will not dare to climb the tower of gluttony. 102 meters up a narrow staircase in the incandescent tower. The sign warns that it is better not to do this for those who have doubts about their strengths and health.
A few hours of eagerly awaiting the start of the event in Plaza del Campo under the scorching sun is a ritual. They say you have to sit on the red paving stones of the square to be happy. Wow, how much happiness we have spent for ourselves this time! You can make a wish while sitting in the square. To guarantee its execution, some not only sit, but also lie down.
Plaza del Campo has a very unusual shell-like shape and a slope of about 5 meters to one side. There is no second such in the world. Siena is located on three hills, the square is arranged in a hollow between them. The square is divided by a white stone into 9 sectors. If you look from above (with a quadcopter camera, for example, or from the gluttony tower), you will see a shell. Someday I'll have to write a whole article about this square, it deserves it!
The mansions of the Siena nobility form a flat circle 333 meters long. During the races, the horses run three times in a circle along the track covered with soil. The day before there was heavy rain and there were no test races; before the start of the event, the workers touched up the soil.
Spectators gradually filled the square. Many dressed up in caps, T-shirts, bandanas and shawls of various contrades. Tickets for the stands for trial races start at 50 euros, and for Palio itself, at least 500.
Some kind of excitement began near Palazzo Publico. All the photographers jumped up and rushed there!
They brought out the Palio for display to the public, it is for the possession of this silk banner that the struggle is going on at the races.
The procession is accompanied by drummers and flag-bearers dressed in medieval costumes.
About an hour before the start of the event, the square is no longer crowded. Around this time, the entrance to the square is closed. Those who did not have time will watch Palio through the aisles from the streets over the heads of the police.
As the sun descends towards the horizon, a shadow appears in Plaza del Campo.
Before the start of the race, the track is freed and cleaned. Mossieres (steward), captains of the contrades and distinguished guests take their places. Around the crowd of reporters and television cameras.
They check the clapperboard several times, which will start the races.
Horses always appear like a king. As if they understand their importance at this holiday. Everyone is here just to see them!
This beauty, acting from the contrada Eagle, in a few minutes will throw off her jockey in a yellow suit and will come first without a rider. There is a good video of these test races, but my video also shows a rider rising from the ground and a horse running away from him. By the way, it doesn't matter whether the jockey on the horse got to the finish line or got lost during the races. It is the horse that wins on the Palio. The main thing is not to lose the headpiece with the symbols of contrada.
But this black stallion named Tornasol will decide tomorrow, a few minutes before the start of the main races, that he is not in the mood, he does not like the yellow-blue outfit of the jockey, the mass in the morning in the church was so-so, there were not enough carrots for breakfast, and therefore he will not take part in the Palio. No persuasion within an hour will help. Tornasol will even dance for the audience, but will not want to get up to the starting line. The most experienced jockey Luigi Bruschelli will not be able to persuade his favorite.
Mossieres will be forced to let the horse go. The Anglo-Arabian half-breed born in 2012 was the favorite at these races, with a lot of money put on her. In contrast, the Turtle (Tartuca), counting on the victory of a strong young stallion, will almost be in mourning.
A video titled "Proteste di Tornasol" on youtube will blow up the internet. With what a victorious look the stallion who refused to ride will leave! He will be more in the spotlight on this Palio than the winning horse. All of Italy will grow to TV screens. But it will be tomorrow. And we are watching a test run on the eve of the race, July 1, 2017.
We occupy the place we had looked after in advance at the line of construction of the horses and grab onto the fence to death, so as not to be pushed aside.
Photographers around do the miracles of balancing act in the hunt for good shots. This time I took pictures, hanging on the fence and lifting the camera with one hand. And for some reason I also managed to turn the settings ... You should always shoot in such conditions only in automatic mode !!! A future doctor from Canada and a couple from Australia were also hanging next to them with cameras. In the crowd we met a very middle-aged Sienese who was a jockey on the Palio 20-30 years ago. He said that in those days they rode almost wild horses, and today the animals are almost tame, which is contrary to tradition, although it is safer for jockeys and others.
It always takes a long time for the horses to line up before the start of the race, although on trial races the requirements for the accuracy of construction are less stringent.
However, it was probably worth clinging to the fence about 50 meters ahead to admire the horse's muzzles in formation, and not their muscular backs ... Let's take it into account next time!
The races themselves are literally seconds. But what passions are raging around!
After the races, it instantly darkens. Further on the program is a traditional walk around the city, dinner at the Nannini pastry shop and watching the races on the TV screen.
For tourists in Plaza del Campo, restaurants are setting tables again right on the tracks of horseshoes of horses that have just galloped.
Throughout Siena, traditional contrada feasts take place in the evenings. Tourists are not invited, and therefore peep from the bushes.
Siena at night is gorgeous as always! The new camera helped me take some pretty good pictures at night.
But the daytime shots in Siena did not work out for me this time. Experiments with the settings were not very successful, but there are still frames for memory for the photo album. Next time I hope to take better pictures! After all, we will return to Siena on the Palio!
P.S. A stallion named Tornasol is still a star, journalists regularly come to him and upload videos from the "interview" to the Internet. However, the horse does not reveal the secret why he refused to ride the Palio.
All experts agreed that the horse is absolutely healthy and mentally balanced. But he knows how to show character! The question of the possibility of participation of this horse in subsequent Palio is being discussed, including with him.