Things To Know Before You Go To The Palio in Siena, Italy

<p></em></p><p>Four days of horse selection, trials, parades, and feasts all come down to less than 90 seconds of actual racing. The participants race around the track just three times. With steep banked turns and only bareback riding permitted, it's common for jockeys to tumble off their horses midrace. Fortunately for them, they don't have to be on the horse in order to win. It is actually <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palio_di_Siena">the horse who wins the Palio</a>, not the rider, so a horse that finishes first without a jockey is still crowned champion.</p><p>Once the race is finished, the riders and horses exit the stadium though it is not uncommon for fights to break out between rival districts before the stadium doors are opened - especially if a jockey chose to race dirty by distracting another's horse or rider. Once the stadium is emptied, the winning contrade is paraded around the city and preparations for the next Palio begin.</p><p>Are you planning to see a Palio in Siena or have you already been? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below!</p>

---

For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore