This one hurts a little bit to write about. I did a summer abroad program in Venice in 2010. That…read moreis when I first learned about Il Palio. It's a historic bareback horse race in Siena that dates back to Medieval times. It takes place twice a year. And it's a huge event. The town is split up into different sections and you root for your horse. Each neighborhood has a different name and various designs for their 'hood. It's a huge deal and a matter of pride. I returned to Italy this year and checked out Il Palio. It's really a three-day affair with all of these various customs and ceremonies. You'll see parades. You'll see singing. Chanting. It's a sight to behold. Since I'm not from Siena, I joined one of the neighborhoods and bought a scarf to rep my "hood." I took part in all of the festivities leading up to the race. The race takes place in the town square, Piazza del Campo. I showed up early to get a good spot. All of the pre-race festivities took place. The horses came out. They were about to start. It hadn't rained all day. But it started raining right then. They canceled the race. I was devastated. My one opportunity to see this even in my life had fallen apart right at the climax. It wasn't even raining that bad. But I understand that it was probably a safety concern for the riders and horses. I get it. While my experience was beyond disappointing, Mother Nature controls everything. Hopefully, you have better luck than I do. If you attend the event, I'm sure it will be a unique and memorable experience for you.

I was lucky to have stayed in Sienna for 1 month in August so I was able to attend the Palio…read moredell'Assunta which is held on August 16, in honour of the Assumption of Mary. Il Patio does held twice a year at Piazza del Campo one in July and one in August. 10 contrades out of the 17 will enter into the race which last less than 2 minutes. Don't hold your breath, it finished so fast before you realized it started. The Town Square just filled with this energy before the race, arrive a little early if you want to get a spot.. but trust me, doesn't matter where you are, you cannot really see much...because it is so crowded!! Personally I enjoyed the pre and the post race celebrations a lot more, just go around the different contrades and of course after the race to the winner for a great celebrations! Just imagine the first modern II Patio was held 1656.. over 350 years ago.... the tradition even dated back to the Medieval time.