Palio di Siena
If you plan to attend Eurohaptics, you might want to arrive a few days earlier to witness one of Italy’s most extraordinary cultural events: the Palio di Siena, held on July 2nd in the city’s main square, Piazza del Campo, at 7.30pm.
What is the Palio?
The Palio is a historic horse race dating back to the Middle Ages, deeply rooted in Siena’s identity and traditions, held twice each year, on 2 July and 16 August. 10 of the city’s 17 “Contrade” – the historic neighborhoods into which Siena is divided – compete in a thrilling bareback race around the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo.
The event is far more than a race: it’s the culmination of months of preparation, rituals, and celebration, where every Contrada proudly showcases its colors, songs, and centuries-old rivalries.
The Palio held on 2 July is named Palio di Provenzano, in honour of the Madonna of Provenzano, a Marian devotion particular to Siena.
Check this link for the last Palio di Siena!
Before the Palio
In the days leading up to the Palio, Siena comes alive with a series of events:
- Horses draw: In the morning of June 29, around 50 horses are tried by horse riders in Piazza del Campo, at 9am. After this, 10 horses are selected to take part in the Palio. At 1.30pm, the 10 horses are assigned to the 10 contradas, in a public draw in the Piazza.
- Practice trials: The practice trials (“prove”) are held in the Piazza starting from the evening of June 29 to the morning of July 2. Morning trials are at 9:00, while evening trials are at 19:00. In these trials, horse riders of the Contradas have the chance to make practice with the horses to arrive well prepared for the Palio.
- Historical parade: on the day of the Palio, all contradas parade in a medieval pageant (“Corteo Storico”) just before the race, starting from 4pm.
Practical Information
Entrance: Access to the center of the square is free, and it is normally very crowded and standing-only. The square can be accessed from Piazza del Mercato, and the entrance will close at 6pm, so be sure to arrive maximum at 5pm to ensure the access to the square to witness the Palio. However, if you also want to see the historical parade before the race, it will start at 4pm. The earlier you arrive, the better the spot you get inside the square. For a more comfortable view, balcony and grandstand seats around the Piazza can be reserved in advance through authorized agencies.
Date and Time: 2 July 2025, 7.30pm.
Location: Piazza del Campo, Siena, Italy
More about Siena’s Contrade
Siena is divided into seventeen Contrade, historic districts that form the heart of the city’s identity. Each Contrada has its own emblem, colors, traditions, and community life, preserved with great pride across generations. They play a central role in Siena’s culture, and together, they represent one of the most unique and enduring communal traditions in Italy. Find more information here.
