on 2 July and 16 August
The magnificent Piazza del Campo in Siena is still used today for the world famous Palio horse race.
On the day of the Palio, a magnificent pageant in traditional medieval costumes goes around the square.
After this colourful prelude the horses appear and the crowd becomes delirious as the race starts. The jockeys goad their horses round the square three times and the people shout to encourage the horse representing their Contrada.
The winner of the Palio, bearing the standard of the Comune, then enters his Contrada where celebrations go on through the night.