Palio di Sienna

On July 2nd the city of Sienna is out and about, for it is this day that the famous horse race takes place. Ten districts of Sienna come together to compete in the race. The enormous pride each Sienna native has for their district, is comparable to the pride an American native might have towards their beloved city.

The race itself, in which the jockeys ride bareback, involves circling the Piazza del Campo, on which a thick layer of dirt has been laid, three times and usually last no more than 90 seconds. It is not uncommon for a few of the jockeys to be thrown off their horses while making the treacherous turns in the piazza and indeed it is not unusual to see unmounted horses finishing the race without their jockeys.

The festival is filled with street performers, food and games. Put this on your "things to see" list because it is a spectacular event.