Why is there a Palio?
il Palio is the culmination of medieval rivalries between different districts in Siena. The city was built on three different hills called terzi. These subdivisions fought mock battles during games such as the elmora (fought with wooden swords and lances) and pugna (group boxing matches). There were also bullfights, donkey races and horse races, often following religious celebrations to commemorate a Catholic holiday. The terzi were further subdivided into districts called contrade. Most of these games were so brutal or violent that Siena’s various rulers outlawed all but one: the horse race or Palio and the tradition continues today.
