The Palio di Siena is the most famous horse race on Earth — 90 seconds, bareback, 500-year rivalries. But Italy has 10+ other palii. All reenactments →
10 of 17 contrade race bareback around Piazza del Campo — 3 laps, 90 seconds. The horse wins even without the jockey. Night before: horse eats at the contrada church (blessed). Winners celebrate for DAYS. Piazza center: FREE (stand 4-5h in sun, arrive 2pm for 7pm race). Balcony: €300-800.
2. Palio di Ferrara (last Sun May): OLDEST in Italy (1279). Renaissance court. 3. Palio di Asti (3rd Sun Sep): 1,200-person costume parade. 4. Palio dell'Assunta (Fermo, Aug 15): Uphill through medieval centro. 5. Palio del Golfo (La Spezia, Aug): ROWING palio — 13 neighborhoods race boats. 6. Palio dei Normanni (Piazza Armerina, Sicily, Aug): Norman conquest jousting. 7-10: Palio di Fucecchio (May). Palio di San Secondo (Asti, May). Giostra dell'Orso (Pistoia, Jul). Palio di Buti (donkey race, Feb).