Siena’s municipal Palio history places the first race around Piazza del Campo in 1633, building on older horse races through the city. The race is inseparable from the contrade, Siena’s neighbourhood communities, whose symbols, loyalties and ceremonies animate the streets long before the horses enter the square. The painted silk banner awarded to the winner gives the Palio its name and its enduring prize.

The two customary races have distinct dedications: 2 July honours the Madonna di Provenzano and 16 August the Assumption of the Virgin. Their shared structure includes horse selection, trials, ceremonial pageantry and the brief race itself. Visitors see only part of a year-round neighbourhood life; attending with patience and respect makes the days around the race as revealing as the finish.