When is the Palio di Siena 2022? Here is all the useful information on dates, programme and other useful tips on where to eat and sleep.
Palio di Siena 2022: dates, programme and useful information
After two years of waiting due to the limitations imposed by the Covid-19 Pandemic, the Sienese and all fans of this historical and sporting event can finally rejoice: the Palio di Siena 2022 has arrived.
The first Palio of the year, the Palio of 2 July, known as the Palio della Madonna di Provenzano, has just ended, and already people are thinking about the Palio of August, the Palio della Madonna Assunta.
Palio di Siena: the dates in August
The event, which attracts hundreds of Italian and foreign tourists every year, as well as intimately involving all the inhabitants of the Contrade, will be held on 16 August 2022 in Piazza del Campo.
If you are wondering when the Palio di Siena will take place, you should know that the date of the actual race is 16 August, but that in the four days leading up to the race you will be able to attend a series of events and manifestations related to the Palio that form the historical and cultural core of the race. The entire event therefore lasts from 13 to 16 August 2022.
How much does a ticket for the Palio di Siena cost and times
Attending the Palio di Siena does not entail any expense: the event is free for those who want to experience the thrill of being just a few steps away from the horses in the race or for those who want to savour the Sienese people's sparkling competitive spirit and experience the event as a true contradaiolo.
The important thing is to take your place before the entrances are closed, generally around 4 p.m., when the track is cleared. Bearing in mind the times of the Palio di Siena and that the horses are scheduled to start after 7 p.m., the wait is quite long, but it is well worth it. The important thing is to be equipped, perhaps with hats to protect yourself from the sun and bottles of water.
Alternatively, those who wish to enjoy the spectacle from above, looking out from the balconies of one of the characteristic palazzi overlooking Piazza del Campo, or comfortably seated at one of the bars surrounding the square, are advised to contact the managers or owners of the palazzi directly.
There is in fact no official ticket office, so one cannot know in advance exactly how much a ticket for the Palio di Siena costs. The same applies to the boxes set up on the edge of the square, the right compromise between comfort and the spirit of the contradaiolo: only by informing yourself in person on the spot can you hope to get a seat. The price for this type of ticket for the Palio di Siena starts at around €60.
Some useful tips for attending the Palio di Siena
According to the new 2017 regulations, children under the age of 12 cannot enter Piazza del Campo on the day of the Palio, so if you want to attend the event with the whole family, it is advisable to book a place in the boxes. The website ilpalio.org, authorised by the Consorzio per la Tutela del Palio di Siena, provides its official email (siena.@ilpalio.org) to help tourists find suitable accommodation from which to watch the event.
If you would like to spend several days in Siena to enjoy all the scheduled events dedicated to the Palio or would like to spend some time immersed in the Tuscan countryside, an interesting solution for an overnight stay is the Hotel Il Borgo located in an ancient stone village near Montalcino and about an hour from Siena. At the Castello Banfi Wine Resort you can also enjoy the best of Italian and Mediterranean cuisine in our restaurant La Sala dei Grappoli with sophisticated menus and a selection of Banfi wines.
The contrade of the Palio di Siena in August 2022
On Sunday, 10 July, a few days after the Palio that consecrated the victory of the Drago, the three contrade (districts) that will flank the other seven that will run by right in the 16 August Palio were drawn. Here, then, are the contrade that will participate in the Palio di Siena on 16 August:
Tartuca, Lupa, Giraffa, Civetta, Leocorno, Nicchio, Valdimontone, Onda, Selva, Chiocciola
Palio di Siena 2022: the programme
The Palio di Siena is not a simple sporting event or historical commemoration, but a true celebration that involves the entire city of Siena for several days, with a sporting and cultural programme entirely dedicated to it. The 'contradaioli' prepare for the Palio all year round and experience it on a daily basis, but those who choose to visit Siena during the days of the Palio will certainly not feel excluded: the passion of the 'contradaioli', the enthusiasm for the race, the competitive spirit and the atmosphere of times gone by make a stay in this city even more magical and enthralling.
Trafficking' event
With reference to the August Palio, the event starts on 13 August, with the so-called Tratta, i.e. the selection of the 10 horses that will participate in the final race. The selection takes place through a few laps around the Piazza del Campo and is used to select the most suitable animals (usually at least 30 participate in the selections).
The most awaited moment of the day, however, is the assignment of the horses. Contrade and steeds are in fact paired up by drawing lots, and for a tourist attending the Palio di Siena for the first time, this will be one of the most enthralling moments of the entire event. In the afternoon, then, one can watch the First Round, at around 7.15 pm.
Rehearsal Dinner
The second and third days are entirely dedicated to rehearsals, while the evening before the race, on 15 August, there is the charge of the Carabinieri on horseback and the rehearsal dinner, organised individually by each contrada. This event, which is truly reminiscent of medieval street festivals, is also open to tourists and non-contradaioli, but one must inquire and book well in advance, as the entire event is run individually by each contrada.
Race and other events
On 16 August, the day of the race, the programme of the Palio di Siena is even more eventful: from the jockey's Mass, celebrated by the archbishop in the chapel next to the Palazzo Comunale, to the last trial, known as the Provaccia, to the blessing of the horse and jockey, and concluding with the fascinating historical procession (departure at 15.50 from Piazza del Duomo) and the exciting race (19.15).
The prize-giving of the winning Contrada takes place immediately afterwards, with the presentation of the Drappellone, the painted silk tapestry, which is taken first to the cathedral where the 'Te deum' of thanksgiving is held, and then to the Contrada. This year the Drappellone was made by the artist Andrea Anastasio.