Pre-Spiel:

Timing a visit to Europe and Italy can be a strategic exercise.. Having heard about this race from my parents who missed it by days, I wasn’t going to miss it by any!
Arriving just in time, the buildup and race (+ after party) was immensely fun as expected!
What a thrilling event, albeit sad for the horse that hit the wall during the main event (outcome of that unknown).

The Town & Race:

Here’s a link to all the race details on Wikipedia – Palio di Siena..

The race track & central viewing area before:

During Race Day 16 August 2012:

Local heroes (and clans), represent!

A full house as the race starts!

This is it!! Watch all the action of the main race as bareback riders storm around the sandy course, jostling for victory.