On July 1st, I fondly remember my time in Siena two years ago and our trip to the Palio. We followed several people's advice (most notably Roberto's) and viewed the Palio from the center of the il Campo. This was perhaps the most incredible experience in all my trips to Europe.
Has anyone else went to the Palio? What were your experiences?
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We are in Siena now. By accident, really, on Wednesday night we found ourselves in the middle of Il Campo and witnessed the second practice for tomorrow's Palio. The horses were held back so it wasn't the real deal, but for someone like me unable to stand as long as required on race day, I was able to get some of the feeling of the event. Il Campo was packed with people! Also, we are staying at an Airbnb cottage just outside town and our host, a life long resident of the Lupa contrada got us tickets for the contrada dinner! He told us that the Palio isn't about tourists and entertainment. "The Palio is life", he said. We put on our contrada colors and joined about 900 people for dinner, wine and joy. Highly recommended!
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We were in Siena four years ago yesterday during the Palio. We all bought the neighborhood scarves and cheered for our horse! I still have mine. The medieval costumed marchers added to the day. I agree, an amazing experience and memory.