The Palio of Siena is a competition between the Contrade of Siena in the form of an equestrian joust of medieval origin.
The “carriera”, as the race is traditionally called, normally takes place twice a year: on 2 July the Palio is run in honor of the Madonna di Provenzano and on 16 August in honor of the Madonna Assunta. On the occasion of exceptional events, city or national anniversaries deemed relevant and pertinent (for example: the centenary of the Unification of Italy), the Sienese community can decide to carry out an “extraordinary Palio”
The race takes place in the central square Piazza del Campo; 10 districts out of a total of 17 participate in each Palio, chosen by lot and according to a particular regulation that allows for the constant rotation of participants. Corrono di diritto le 7 contrade che non hanno corso il Palio corrispondente dell’anno precedente, e un mese prima del Palio (l’ultima domenica di maggio per quello di luglio, e la prima domenica dopo il Palio di luglio per quello di agosto) vengono estratte a sorte le 3 contrade mancanti; l’annuncio al popolo è dato attraverso le bandiere delle tre contrade estratte che vengono issate alle finestre di Palazzo Comunale. The other 7 remaining districts are also drawn to establish the parade order in the historical procession; they will rightfully participate in the corresponding Palio of the following year. In the case of an extraordinary Palio, a draw takes place between all the districts to determine the ten participants.
