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When giraffe, dragon, hedgehog,
wolf, eagle, panther, snail and others of their kind participate in
a competition, it's not necessarily a fairy tale of the Grimm brothers,
but the Palio of Siena taking place every year from 2nd of July to
16th of August. This historic horse-race on the Campo, the central
square of Siena, that divides this town in Contrade".
All in all seventeen district of Siena fight for the victory. A
festival celebrated during many days, not even days, the whole year
and determines life of Sienese people. The houses of Siena are decorated
with coloured flags, citizens proudly wear shawls showing which
Contrada they belong to.
Strict rites precede the final race: the test race on the parcour,
a banquet on the evening before the Palio in every district, the
consecration of horse and jockey in church, the procession through
Siena. After that the highlight: the race. For more or less seventy
five seconds. Then the winner's joy and the celebration in the dome.
Laurel for the horse and honour for its jockey.
Indescribable and full of facets. Non touristic, real culture guaranteed.
Particularly if you can observe this show from the balcony of a
private apartment belonging to a Contessa of Siena.
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