{"id":1335,"date":"2019-04-15T17:00:39","date_gmt":"2019-04-15T17:00:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/?p=1335"},"modified":"2025-03-26T23:09:08","modified_gmt":"2025-03-26T21:09:08","slug":"il-palio-the-siena-horse-race","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/destinations\/il-palio-the-siena-horse-race\/","title":{"rendered":"The Siena Horse Race &#8211; Palio di Siena"},"content":{"rendered":"<span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 5<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"720\" data-attachment-id=\"1343\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/destinations\/il-palio-the-siena-horse-race\/attachment\/020773-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020773-2.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1000,720\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Tusany Horses Race\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;The Siena Horse Race&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020773-2.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020773-2.jpg\" alt=\"Horses racing in the Palio di Siena\" class=\"wp-image-1343\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020773-2.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020773-2-300x216.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020773-2-768x553.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020773-2-860x619.jpg 860w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020773-2-680x490.jpg 680w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020773-2-500x360.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020773-2-400x288.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020773-2-250x180.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020773-2-200x144.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020773-2-100x72.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020773-2-76x55.jpg 76w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020773-2-50x36.jpg 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption>The Siena Horse Race<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Siena horse race, Italy\u2019s most celebrated horse race dates back to 1633. The Palio di Siena is <strong>not a typical&nbsp;race<\/strong>, the rules are few, the traditions are involved, the rituals are divine, and the fanaticism is nothing short of fabulous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/destinations\/il-palio-the-siena-horse-race\/#The_Contrade\" >The Contrade<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/destinations\/il-palio-the-siena-horse-race\/#How_do_you_become_part_of_a_contrada\" >How do you become part of a contrada?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/destinations\/il-palio-the-siena-horse-race\/#What_about_the_kids\" >What about the kids?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/destinations\/il-palio-the-siena-horse-race\/#Contrada_Customs\" >Contrada Customs<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/destinations\/il-palio-the-siena-horse-race\/#When_is_the_Siena_Horse_Race\" >When is the Siena Horse Race?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/destinations\/il-palio-the-siena-horse-race\/#Who_Races_in_the_Siena_Horse_Race\" >Who Races in the Siena Horse Race?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/destinations\/il-palio-the-siena-horse-race\/#How_to_Watch_the_Siena_Horse_Race\" >How to Watch the Siena Horse Race?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/destinations\/il-palio-the-siena-horse-race\/#The_Piazza\" >The Piazza<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/destinations\/il-palio-the-siena-horse-race\/#Stands_around_the_Piazza\" >Stands around the Piazza<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/destinations\/il-palio-the-siena-horse-race\/#Balconies_and_Rooftops\" >Balconies and Rooftops<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/destinations\/il-palio-the-siena-horse-race\/#About_the_Siena_Horse_Race\" >About the Siena Horse Race<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/destinations\/il-palio-the-siena-horse-race\/#Tips_for_the_Siena_Horse_Race\" >Tips for the Siena Horse Race<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Contrade\"><\/span>The Contrade<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, how do you explain such a perplexing race? Let me start with who competes in it. There are&nbsp;<strong>17 neighborhoods in Siena<\/strong> that have a mascot, as well as colors and emblems. The neighborhoods, or&nbsp;\u201ccontrade\u201d are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Caterpillar<\/li><li>Dragon<\/li><li>Eagle<\/li><li>Forest<\/li><li>Giraffe<\/li><li>Goose<\/li><li>Owl<\/li><li>Panther<\/li><li>Porcupine<\/li><li>Ram<\/li><li>She-Wolf<\/li><li>Seashell<\/li><li>Snail<\/li><li>Tortoise<\/li><li>Tower<\/li><li>Unicorn<\/li><li>Wave<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We have chosen to root for Onda, which is the wave! They warmly invited us into their contrada on our cooking vacations:\u00a0<a href=\"\/vacation\/tuscany-cooking-vacation\">Wine and Cooking in the Hearth of Chianti and Florence, Tuscany.<\/a> If you are looking for other culinary vacations in Italy, here is a list of our <a href=\"\/articles\/the-10-best-food-and-wine-vacations-in-italy\/\">top 10 cooking vacations in Italy<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"720\" data-attachment-id=\"1344\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/destinations\/il-palio-the-siena-horse-race\/attachment\/020806-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020806-2.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1000,720\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Onda Statue\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;The Statue outside the Onda Church&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020806-2.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020806-2.jpg\" alt=\"Every Contrada for the siena horse race has a Church, museum and mascot\" class=\"wp-image-1344\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020806-2.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020806-2-300x216.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020806-2-768x553.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020806-2-860x619.jpg 860w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020806-2-680x490.jpg 680w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020806-2-500x360.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020806-2-400x288.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020806-2-250x180.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020806-2-200x144.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020806-2-100x72.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020806-2-76x55.jpg 76w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020806-2-50x36.jpg 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption>The Statue outside the Onda Church<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_you_become_part_of_a_contrada\"><\/span>How do you become part of a contrada?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So the neighborhood you live in is your contrada right<em>?<\/em>&nbsp;Nope.  What happens if you move? What about if you marry out of your contrada? or worse, have a child with someone of another contrada, what contrada would the child be? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Well, if you move, you stay loyal to your original contrada. You wouldn\u2019t stop being a New England Patriots fan just because you moved away from the North East, right? If you marry someone of another contrada, you each keep your lives divided during the weeks leading up to the Palio. You scarcely speak to one another, you might even sleep in different&nbsp;beds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"720\" data-attachment-id=\"1349\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/destinations\/il-palio-the-siena-horse-race\/attachment\/020768-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020768-2.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1000,720\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Costumes for the Race\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;People dress in medieval costumes for the Palio&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020768-2.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020768-2.jpg\" alt=\"The customs of the Palio di Siena are as important as the race itself\" class=\"wp-image-1349\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020768-2.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020768-2-300x216.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020768-2-768x553.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020768-2-860x619.jpg 860w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020768-2-680x490.jpg 680w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020768-2-500x360.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020768-2-400x288.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020768-2-250x180.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020768-2-200x144.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020768-2-100x72.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020768-2-76x55.jpg 76w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020768-2-50x36.jpg 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption>People dress in medieval costumes for the Palio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_about_the_kids\"><\/span>What about the kids?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What about your children? You may assume it\u2019s not that important, the child will be what the child will be. But the Sienese take this very seriously. They told us on one of our <a href=\"\/cooking\/tuscany-cooking-vacation\/\">Tuscan cooking tours, <\/a>during which they invite us for an insider&#8217;s experience, that when a child is born to two parents that come from\u00a0different\u00a0contrade, the grandparents take the responsibility of determining the contrada that child will belong to. On the baby&#8217;s birthday, both sets of grandparents\u00a0race to the hospital\u00a0with a flag donning their contrada\u2019s emblem. Whoever can get to the hospital and get the flag under the baby first, wins. That baby is\u00a0baptized at that contrada\u2019s church in their very own fountain. Sounds make believe, doesn\u2019t it? It\u2019s\u00a0<em>THAT<\/em> important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"720\" data-attachment-id=\"1345\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/destinations\/il-palio-the-siena-horse-race\/attachment\/020797-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020797-2.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1000,720\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Children Ready for the Palio\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Children in the bleacher seats waiting for the Palio&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020797-2.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020797-2.jpg\" alt=\"The bleacher seats for the race are owned by local restaurants and bars\" class=\"wp-image-1345\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020797-2.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020797-2-300x216.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020797-2-768x553.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020797-2-860x619.jpg 860w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020797-2-680x490.jpg 680w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020797-2-500x360.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020797-2-400x288.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020797-2-250x180.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020797-2-200x144.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020797-2-100x72.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020797-2-76x55.jpg 76w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020797-2-50x36.jpg 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption>Children in the bleacher seats waiting for the Palio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Contrada_Customs\"><\/span>Contrada Customs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Each Contrada is very exclusive<\/strong>, They all have their own churches and museums. On our\u00a0<a href=\"\/vacation\/tuscany-cooking-vacation\">Cooking and Wine Vacation in Tuscany,<\/a> we are often invited into of one contrada\u2019s museums. Contrada Onda brings our group into their underground museum, where tourists never step foot. On this <a href=\"\/cooking\/tuscany-cooking-vacation\/\">Tuscan cooking vacation<\/a>, we get to look at their charming costumes they would wear, see all the prizes they have displayed from their past victories, and learn about their history.  And we make some great new friends, too.  In fact, Onda has become the Contrada CDV roots for!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"720\" data-attachment-id=\"1348\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/destinations\/il-palio-the-siena-horse-race\/attachment\/020802-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020802-2.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1000,720\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"CDV in the Onda Museum\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;The museums are very exclusive but they invited us in&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020802-2.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020802-2.jpg\" alt=\"It is not easy to be let into the palio Museums\" class=\"wp-image-1348\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020802-2.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020802-2-300x216.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020802-2-768x553.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020802-2-860x619.jpg 860w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020802-2-680x490.jpg 680w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020802-2-500x360.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020802-2-400x288.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020802-2-250x180.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020802-2-200x144.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020802-2-100x72.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020802-2-76x55.jpg 76w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020802-2-50x36.jpg 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption>The museums are very exclusive but they invited us in<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_is_the_Siena_Horse_Race\"><\/span>When is the Siena Horse Race?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Palio di Siena (Siena Horse Race), takes place twice every year, once on <strong>July 2 and once on August 16<\/strong>. The Palio isn&#8217;t a one day event though, it lasts four days. It all starts with&nbsp;<em>the tratta<\/em>, which is the drawing of the lots. Each Contrada that is participating hires a jockey (which is the only paid position in the entire event) but the horses&nbsp;get assigned&nbsp;&nbsp;from a lot. Then the jockeys practice on their horses twice a day until the actual event, taking care to not over tire or injure the horses before the big day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of my favorite parts of the festival is the day before the big race, when they do the &#8220;Provaccia&#8221;, which is basically the trial race the evening before.  It is less crowded, and no less exciting.  After the Provaccia, each Contrada has a mega-dinner for its members.  All of the streets in the neighborhood are lined with tables, and they celebrate in advance (good call!).  Again, you need to know someone or be part of a Contrada to attend this, but when we are there, we are absolutely hanging out in the Onda Zone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_Races_in_the_Siena_Horse_Race\"><\/span>Who Races in the Siena Horse Race?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Of the seventeen contrade,&nbsp;<strong>only ten race at a time<\/strong>. So, the seven that didn&#8217;t race in the prior Siena horse race will automatically take part in the next one. Just a few days before the race, the remaining spots are picked from a lottery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Watch_the_Siena_Horse_Race\"><\/span>How to Watch the Siena Horse Race?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>There are a few options for watching the Siena horse race<\/strong>. They really depend on how much money you want to spend, and how often you need to use a restroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Piazza\"><\/span>The Piazza<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Access to watch the Siena horse race from the piazza is free<\/strong>, however I wouldn\u2019t suggest bringing children in to watch here. If you want to have a good view of the race, you\u2019ll have to come claim your spot early in the day. There are thousands of people in this small space. You are packed tight like sardines, and there is no way to exit and use a restroom, grab food, or sit down (think New York Times Square on New Years Eve).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"720\" data-attachment-id=\"1346\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/destinations\/il-palio-the-siena-horse-race\/attachment\/020800-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020800-2.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1000,720\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"The Piazza Early in the Day\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;The Piazza gets completely packed as the day goes on&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020800-2.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020800-2.jpg\" alt=\"Arrive early for the siena horse race if you plan to watch from the Piazza\" class=\"wp-image-1346\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020800-2.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020800-2-300x216.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020800-2-768x553.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020800-2-860x619.jpg 860w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020800-2-680x490.jpg 680w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020800-2-500x360.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020800-2-400x288.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020800-2-250x180.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020800-2-200x144.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020800-2-100x72.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020800-2-76x55.jpg 76w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020800-2-50x36.jpg 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption>The Piazza gets completely packed as the day goes on<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Stands_around_the_Piazza\"><\/span>Stands around the Piazza<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The stands around the piazza are owned by local restaurants and bars. You cannot just go to a ticket office to buy your ticket for the stands. If you know someone in Siena, have them ask around and reserve your ticket directly from the bars that own the stands. Be prepared to pay, this is a big sporting event. Premium seats are costly, as they would be at a football game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Balconies_and_Rooftops\"><\/span>Balconies and Rooftops<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Piazza in Siena, like most piazzas in Italy, is surrounded by homes. The people who live here often rent out their balconies, windows, and rooftops for marvelous views, optimal comfort and premium prices. On our\u00a0<a href=\"\/vacation\/tuscany-cooking-vacation\">Wine and Cooking in the Heart of Chianti and Florence, Tuscany<\/a> tour, we have gone so far to rent a rooftop to watch the Palio event comfortably, with snacks on hand, and a restroom close by. But if you are looking to do this on your own, you really need to know someone, and be ready to fork over $10,000 or more for the kind of rooftop view we had.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-attachment-id=\"1347\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/destinations\/il-palio-the-siena-horse-race\/attachment\/020776\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020776.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1440,961\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"CDV Watching from a rooftop\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;CDV Watching From a Rooftop&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020776-1024x683.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020776-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"These seats for the Palio di Siena must be purchased\" class=\"wp-image-1347\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020776-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020776-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020776-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020776-1240x828.jpg 1240w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020776-860x574.jpg 860w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020776-680x454.jpg 680w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020776-500x334.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020776-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020776-250x167.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020776-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020776-100x67.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020776-76x51.jpg 76w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020776-50x33.jpg 50w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/020776.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>CDV Watching From a Rooftop<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"About_the_Siena_Horse_Race\"><\/span>About the Siena Horse Race<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>The Siena horse race consists of ten horses making three laps around the ring<\/em>. The ring is set up in the center piazza of Siena. They block off the center for viewers to stand and watch for free. The jockey\u2019s, who have no true allegiance to any contrada are often bribing, harassing, and whipping one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The horses must all stand in their assigned place, if anybody moves too soon, they begin again. This can take a very long time, its not easy keeping all these horses in an assigned space. <strong>Once the race begins, it is over within 90 seconds<\/strong> and if you blink, you might miss it. The first horse to cross the finish line wins, with or without his jockey. The horse crossing without a jockey retain these small feathers on his head. The&nbsp;small&nbsp;feathers indicate which contrada he is racing for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tips_for_the_Siena_Horse_Race\"><\/span><em>Tips for the Siena Horse Race<\/em><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a rel=\"noopener nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.terresiena.it\/en\" target=\"_blank\">The main tourist office in Siena<\/a> is in Santa Maria della Scala in Piazza del Duomo. The phone number is+39 0577 280551.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our\u00a0<a href=\"\/vacation\/tuscany-cooking-vacation\">Chianti vacation<\/a> visits Siena, and during the Palio period, we usually attend the Palio itself, or the Provaccia and dinner.  Either way, you can walk the beautiful streets and learn about the history of the Siena firsthand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"735\" height=\"1102\" data-attachment-id=\"1367\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/destinations\/il-palio-the-siena-horse-race\/attachment\/untitled-design-3-1\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Untitled-Design-3-1.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"735,1102\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Untitled-Design-3-1\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Untitled-Design-3-1-683x1024.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Untitled-Design-3-1.jpg?fit=683%2C1024&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1367\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Untitled-Design-3-1.jpg 735w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Untitled-Design-3-1-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Untitled-Design-3-1-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Untitled-Design-3-1-680x1020.jpg 680w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Untitled-Design-3-1-500x750.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Untitled-Design-3-1-400x600.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Untitled-Design-3-1-250x375.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Untitled-Design-3-1-100x150.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Untitled-Design-3-1-76x114.jpg 76w, https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Untitled-Design-3-1-50x75.jpg 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 735px) 100vw, 735px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"kk-star-ratings kksr-auto kksr-align-left kksr-valign-bottom\"\n    data-payload='{&quot;align&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;id&quot;:&quot;1335&quot;,&quot;slug&quot;:&quot;default&quot;,&quot;valign&quot;:&quot;bottom&quot;,&quot;ignore&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;reference&quot;:&quot;auto&quot;,&quot;class&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;count&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;legendonly&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;readonly&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;score&quot;:&quot;5&quot;,&quot;starsonly&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;best&quot;:&quot;5&quot;,&quot;gap&quot;:&quot;5&quot;,&quot;greet&quot;:&quot;Rate this post&quot;,&quot;legend&quot;:&quot;5\\\/5 - (1 vote)&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;24&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;The Siena Horse Race - Palio di Siena&quot;,&quot;width&quot;:&quot;142.5&quot;,&quot;_legend&quot;:&quot;{score}\\\/{best} - ({count} {votes})&quot;,&quot;font_factor&quot;:&quot;1.25&quot;}'>\n            \n<div class=\"kksr-stars\">\n    \n<div class=\"kksr-stars-inactive\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"1\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"2\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"3\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"4\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"5\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n<div class=\"kksr-stars-active\" style=\"width: 142.5px;\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n                \n\n<div class=\"kksr-legend\" style=\"font-size: 19.2px;\">\n            5\/5 - (1 vote)    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Siena horse race, Italy\u2019s most celebrated horse race dates back to 1633. The Palio di Siena is not a typical&nbsp;race, the rules are few, the traditions are involved, the rituals are divine, and the fanaticism is nothing short of fabulous. The Contrade So, how do you explain such a perplexing race? Let me start with who competes in it. There are&nbsp;17 neighborhoods in Siena that have a mascot, as well as colors and emblems. The neighborhoods, or&nbsp;\u201ccontrade\u201d are: Caterpillar Dragon Eagle Forest Giraffe Goose Owl Panther Porcupine Ram She-Wolf Seashell Snail Tortoise Tower Unicorn Wave We have chosen to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":373,"featured_media":1340,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_eb_attr":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1086],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1335","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-destinations"],"acf":[],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Untitled-Design.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1335","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/373"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1335"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1335\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2967,"href":"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1335\/revisions\/2967"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1340"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1335"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1335"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.culturediscovery.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1335"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}