Palio di Provenzano
The July 2nd horse race in honor of the Madonna di Provenzano, held in Piazza del Campo, Siena
About Palio di Provenzano
Italy's most deeply felt Palio
The Palio di Provenzano is one of two races that animate Piazza del Campo in Siena, the capital of its namesake province in Tuscany, every year. It is run on July 2nd in honor of the Madonna di Provenzano, whose miraculous image is venerated in the basilica of the same name. It is the first of two annual editions of the Palio; the second, dedicated to the Assumption of Mary, takes place on August 16th. For the Sienese, this is not a tourist spectacle but the ultimate expression of their community life, defined by their belonging to the Contrade.
The Contrade and their rivalries
Ten of the seventeen Contrade participate in the race: seven run by right (those that did not participate in the corresponding edition of the previous year), and the others are assigned by draw. Each Contrada is a world unto itself, with its own territory, colors, oratory, museum, and a dense web of historical rivalries that make the Palio a match played well beyond the track. Victory—and even more so, the defeat inflicted upon a rival Contrada—is a matter of immense pride for the entire community.
The days leading up to the race
The Palio is more than just a race: it is an entire week of rituals. Everything begins with the veterinary pre-checks of the horses at the Ceppo, followed by the tratta, the drawing of lots that assigns the ten horses to the Contrade—a moment that can change the fate of everything. This is followed by six trial runs in Piazza del Campo, one in the morning and one in the evening, leading up to the general rehearsal and the propitiatory dinners in the districts, when the streets of the Contrade fill with long tables, songs, and flags.
The day of the Palio
On July 2nd, the city lives through hours of tension and devotion. In the morning, the Jockey's Mass is held, followed by the provaccia, the final trial run. In the afternoon, the horses are blessed in the Contrade's oratories, and then Piazza del Campo is transformed by the entrance of the Historical Pageant: over six hundred costumed participants, flag-wavers, drummers, and the Carroccio cart carrying the Drappellone, the painted silk banner that serves as the prize. The race lasts only a few minutes: three laps of the track, about a thousand meters, during which anything can happen. A horse that has lost its jockey—the scosso—can even win.
A living heritage
The Palio di Provenzano is a tradition rooted in the Middle Ages that remains an integral part of Siena's history. For those visiting the city during these days, witnessing the Palio means connecting with one of the most authentic and intense events in Italy, where faith, identity, and passion merge in the unique space of Piazza del Campo.
Palio di Provenzano — edition 2026
The Palio of July 2, 2026, features ten Contrade and promises to be particularly heated due to the presence of two pairs of historical rivals. The veterinary pre-checks of the horses took place at the Ceppo on June 22, 23, and 24, while the regulated horse trials began in Piazza del Campo the previous weekend. The race is the culmination of a week of rituals, trials, and propitiatory dinners involving the entire city.
Programme Palio di Provenzano 2026
The Contrade in the race
Ten Contrade are participating: Onda, Civetta, Giraffa, Leocorno, Aquila, Torre, Bruco, Drago, Valdimontone, and Oca. Six run by right (Onda, Civetta, Giraffa, Leocorno, Aquila, Torre), while Bruco, Drago, Valdimontone, and Oca were drawn by lot on Sunday, May 31, 2026, in the Palazzo Comunale; the fourth spot became available due to the disqualification of Nicchio.
The rivalries
- Civetta – Leocorno
- Oca – Torre
The Drappellone
The Drappellone (the painted prize banner) is created by the artist Ismaele Nones, with a work dedicated to the eighth centenary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi.
Trial days
- Mon 22, Tue 23, Wed 24 June — Veterinary pre-checks at the Ceppo
- June 29 — Horses released, heats, meeting of the Captains, and assignment of the ten horses to the Contrade (tratta)
- June 29 – July 1 — Six trials: one in the morning (9 AM) and one in the afternoon (approx. 7:30 PM); the general rehearsal culminates in propitiatory dinners in the districts
Thursday, July 2 — Day of the Palio
- 08:00 — Jockey's Mass at the Palazzo Pubblico, followed by the provaccia (final trial)
- 10:30 — Signing of the jockeys at the Palazzo Pubblico
- ~15:00 — Blessing of the horse in the Contrade's oratories
- ~17:20 — Entrance of the Historical Pageant into Piazza del Campo
- ~19:30 — Horses leave the Entrone and the race begins (three laps of the track, approx. 1,000 meters)
Starter: Renato Bircolotti. Field Master: Riccardo Frosini.
Highlights Palio di Provenzano 2026
Prices Palio di Provenzano 2026
Practical information — Palio di Provenzano
Getting there
Siena is not directly served by high-speed rail. You can reach it by train from Florence (Santa Maria Novella) with a connection, or by direct bus (Autolinee Toscane) from Florence. By car, take the Florence-Siena highway (exit Siena Ovest or Siena Est); the historic center is a restricted traffic zone (ZTL).
Where to watch
Access to the center of Piazza del Campo is free, but you must arrive very early (by early afternoon) because it fills up and is then closed off. The stands and balconies overlooking the Piazza are paid and must be booked well in advance through property owners or specialized agencies; prices vary greatly depending on the location.
Tips
Book your accommodation months in advance: during the Palio, Siena and its surroundings are fully booked. Bring water, a hat, and light clothing (you will be standing in the Piazza for hours under the summer sun).
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Where does it take place — Palio di Provenzano
Piazza del Campo
Piazza del Campo, 53100 Siena