The Palio di Siena, with its centuries-old history and unparalleled charm, was recently praised by The Washington Post as a unique sporting event, even calling it “more spectacular than the Olympics.” In his article, American journalist Rick Reilly spares no praise for the Sienese race, asserting that anyone who loves events like the Kentucky Derby or the most thrilling sports competitions should absolutely know about the Palio.
Reilly captures the essence of this historic event, describing it as a combination of emotions and adrenaline that is hard to match. “If you like the Kentucky Derby, demolition derbies, and gang fights like in West Side Story, and you’re wondering if it’s possible to combine all of that into one event, the answer is yes. It’s called the Palio,” writes the journalist, highlighting how this bareback horse race, held in the picturesque Piazza del Campo in Siena, offers a one-of-a-kind experience.
The Palio di Siena, held twice a year on July 2 and August 16, is a tradition rooted in the Middle Ages, with a history that spans over 540 years. The race is not just a competition between districts but a manifestation of cultural and community identity deeply embedded in the city and its inhabitants.
While The Washington Post article contains some inaccuracies and occasional exaggerations—such as emphasizing rivalries between districts that might be less intense today than described—it’s clear that the author’s intention is to convey the intensity and passion surrounding the Palio. Reilly doesn’t just recount the minutes of the race but attempts to capture the atmosphere that envelops Siena during those days, an atmosphere that has few equals in the world.
The journalist closes the article with an invitation that’s almost a command: “Not much has remained as intact as the Palio, something filled with a passion that runs deep in the blood, down to the cells. So… if you can, go.” Words that emphasize how the Palio di Siena is not just a sporting event but a true immersion into a millennia-old tradition that continues to engage and captivate spectators from around the world.
This recognition from a prestigious outlet like The Washington Post once again confirms the magic and uniqueness of the Palio di Siena, an event that continues to amaze and move people, keeping its essence intact despite the passage of centuries.
Photo from the Comune di Siena official website.
Credits: Andrea Lensini