About Palio di Siena – Palio dell'Assunta
The Palio dell’Assunta – Ferragosto in Siena, as it has been for centuries
On 16 August 2026, Siena will celebrate the Palio dell’Assunta, the midsummer race dedicated to the Assumption of Mary. In keeping with a tradition dating back to the 17th century, ten bareback horses will race three laps of the Piazza del Campo in Italy’s shortest and most intense race: 75 seconds that bring an end to months of tension, negotiations and rivalry between the contrade.
The seven contrade automatically eligible to race in August 2026 are: Selva, Chiocciola, Oca, Nicchio, Lupa, Istrice and Torre. They will be joined by three contrade drawn at random from the remaining ones. During the four days of festivities (13–16 August), there is a series of track trials, the drawing of lots for the horses, a blessing in the contrada’s baptistery, communal dinners and the unmissable Historical Procession featuring hundreds of participants in Renaissance costume.
The ‘drappellone’ – the banner painted by an artist especially for the occasion – remains the property of the winning district. Entry to the square is free, but the crowds are enormous: it is advisable to arrive hours before the race.
Race timetable:
From 08:00: Jockeys’ Mass (Mass for the jockeys in the chapel in Piazza del Campo).
From around 15:00: Blessing of the horses in the respective churches of the Contrade.
From around 16:50: Entry of the Historical Procession into Piazza del Campo.
Around 19:00: Start of the official race (Il Palio)
Venue: Piazza del Campo, 53100 Siena (SI).
Info: www.visittuscany.com/en/ideas/palio-di-siena-all-the-things-you-need-to-know/
