the palio is tuscany's most celebrated festival and it occurs in the campo each year on 2 july and 16 august.
it is a bareback horse race first recorded in 1283, but it may have had its origins in roman military training.
the jockeys represent siena's 17 contrade (district); the horses are chosen by the drawing of lots and are blessed at the local contrada churches.
preceded by days of colourful pageantry, costume processions and heavy betting, the races themselves last only 90 seconds each.
thousands of spectatorscrowd into the piazza to watch the race, and rivalry between competitors is intense.
the winner is rewarded with a silk palio (banner).
festivities for the winners, and recriminations among the losers, can last for weeks.