Palio Bashny.Net

Horse riding "Palio" in Siena, Italy - a spectacle of discharge must see. From the XIV century, twice a year - on July 2 and August 16 - the main city square is filled with clay and sand, turning it into a racecourse. Since the beginning of the XIV century Siena was divided into so-called Contrada - seventeen urban areas, each of which had its own flag and emblem. Contrada at odds with each other, but the relationship is preferred only to find out on the racetrack. Now tournament "Palio" participate riders from ten Contrada, and the fans themselves choose the remaining seven for whom they will be cheering on the square.





Total race lasts 80 seconds - during this time the riders, traditionally dressed in costumes reminiscent of the Middle Ages, time to gallop three laps.



No riding saddles, riders can stay only with the legs and such a mother, so the fall is frequent and on the rules of horse riderless continues to participate in the race and may even win. On the eve of arrival captains draw lots - which Contrade which horse will get.



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The ceremony before the race starts in the morning - in the costume spectacle attended by several tens of troubadours, pages and standard-bearers, who juggle their flags. On the day of the race on the square going to the entire population of the city and tourists.



Jockey, won the tournament "Palio" horse racing track to become the most famous city dweller, and his name forever entered the history of Siena. In the photo: members of a Contrada celebrate the victory of his rider.
The winner of yesterday's tournament - Luigi "Trechcholino" Bruchelli accepts congratulations from fans of his contrada.

By the way, racing in Siena for several years subjected to harsh criticism from animal rights advocates - during the race horses often injured on the hard stone covering the area. © AP Photo / Scanpix



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