The Palio

August 16 is the most important date in the Sienese calendar, marking the finals of the world-famous but controversial horse race, the Palio, which are held in the Piazza del Campo. The big race in the morning is preceded by colourful pageantry, featuring flag throwers and musicians dressed in medieval costumes. Unfortunately, horses and riders usually get injured, sometimes fatally, in their desperation to get round the small piazza. If this doesn't faze you, it's well-worth the long, hot wait in the sun.