1. Imagine Italy! A glass of Tuscan Montepulciano, to
be enjoyed on the corner of a romantic viewpoint
sounds like bliss yet, there is a much less clichéd
culture to bask in.
Holidays should conjure up thoughts of colour,
relaxation in the outdoors, new activities and
magnificence that needs to be seen to be believed.
Yeah, OK… but, today in our “Places Outside Ireland
That are also Cool, Sometimes” post, we share a
glimpse of Italy, steeped in custom and tradition.
“The Palio di Siena is a festival of a different
calibre where one can experience it all. It
should take pride of place on your 2015 bucket
list.”
Having your heart in your mouth for a stranger on
horseback who isn’t Robb Stark, amid the gasps of
spectators each side of you poses an electrifying atmosphere hard to describe. Handsome riders zip past in
a furore of wildly coloured costumes, on July 2nd and August 16th of each year. This almighty testosterone-
filled medieval display 16th century Siena, comes to life in a tense mix of sport, speed and exuberant pride.

2. Ten superb horses and their jockeys (members of the Contrade, or city wards) embark on a spectacular
fast-paced, bareback race in the confines of Piazzo del Campo in the beautiful Tuscan city. In honour of
Madonna of Provenzano and the Assumption of Virgin Mary, respectively, the race has been known to
launch jockeys from their saddles in dramatic fashion.
When they enter the tight turns of the Piazzo and are ultimately unsuccessful, you can’t help but, abuse
the brave riders at the festival! It’s ironic that the event is in honour of the Virgin herself... (Sorry Holy
Mary Mother of God, I really didn’t swear!)
“Energetic scenes of horses bolting to the finish line without their jockey and spectators
roaring, add to the suspense of the race. The Galway Races aren’t a patch on this event!”
The annual race ties in with Corteo Storico, a
pageant following the event attracting vast numbers
of International visitors to Siena. If you adore the
culinary arts, painterly scenes of sweeping
vineyards, immaculate structures in stone and
marble and best of all some superb plonk for next to
nothing prices, Siena shouts just as loud as any
other Italian city during festival time.
With an explosive charge onlookers become aware
that the race is about to begin!
“The jockeys are packed tightly behind a
giant cabled rope, each with the look of sheer determination to claim the title.”

3. Religious members of the city wards begin a ritual of prayer to their respective Patron Saints to further
increase their chances in the 90 second spectacle with rampant rumours that doping and bribing goes on
in the run up to the event but, we’ll keep that between you me and the
firewall!
“The horse and rider burst onto the track and set into the
three laps of the Piazzo. The crowds’ cheers are mind-
blowing!”
Crash barriers protect the riders from the viciously narrow corners.
The track is literally ripped to shreds when they get into their stride.
“Jockeys have full permissions to whip other horses and
fellow jockeys to disturb them. Anything goes in order to
take the lead! It is an awesome eye-popping event”.
The athletic prowess is captivating and the female members of the
crowd make that clear… akin to when Paul O’Connell or one of the
lads flex a muscle on camera during a match at home #shriek
The energy this festival exudes is akin to the Annual Mural event in
Dozza, outside Bologna in Italy and La Tomatino Festival near

4. Valencia in Spain. Powerful old traditions and modern reactions mix.
In the past, Piazzo del Campo was used for boxing, jousting, bullfights and other
public games called “Pugna.” Grand Duke of Tuscany put his foot down in 1590 and
banned those very games but the Contrade changed tactics and began bare-back
buffalo and donkey riding instead. We can only image the aesthetics of those two?
In 1729 due to the number of accidents the city’s Governor Violante of Bavaria,
reduced the number of riders to be allowed in the Palio to 10 and it hasn’t changed to
this day.
When the race is over, take a calm stroll or a
short moped ride to delve into the exquisite
Renaissance of Siena.
“Visit the Mosaic Duomo of Siena
Catherdral which forms part of the
UNESCO World Heritage Site and
encounter the treasure of art that is
inherent to Tuscany!”
My next blog… “Is Copenhagen the trendiest
place in Europe?” We blend top tips on the
culinary delights and romantic haunts with a
few surprises sprinkled on top to keep it fresh!