brian's blog

Smaller update of vacation photos this time: Siena. The world-famous Palio horse races are held twice a year here in Il Palio, the massive shell-shaped piazza in the centre of town. The town's 17 neighborhoods compete by submitting a horse and rider for the race. The rest of the year, they drum up support by holding random parades through town, with druming and colourful flag throwing.

It was an incredible experience to be caught in the middle of one of these, especially knowing that it was a genuine tradition and town passion we were watching, and not a tourist-driven show. Apart from the photos, check out a quick movie I recorded of the action.