Page 93 - Ocean Blue World Fall 2019 Edition
P. 93
BEHIND THE SCENES
lthough a secular festival, the Palio
is swathed in religious rituals and
symbolism, from a blessing of the horses
Aand riders at a traditional mass, to the
Madonna represented on the silk Drappellone hand-
painted by local artists every year.
The race circles the Piazza del Campo where jockeys
who are hired to bring out the best in horses they
have met only days before the race, ride bareback
at breakneck speeds. The magnificent mounts that
participate in the Palio are mixed breeds selected for
their speed, strength, and temperament.
This year’s twice-annual Palio races had thrillingly
close finishes. The Giraffa team, both horse and rider,
extended their stride to win July’s race, and Selva's
mare, Remorex, took the honors “ scosso” reminiscent
of her win in the 2018 Special Edition Palio.
“Boasting centuries-old origins,
Italy's most famous horse race
takes place twice a year in
piazza del Campo, Siena’s main
medieval, shell-shaped square.”
– visittuscany.com
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