August 16, 2022 Palio of the Assumption Here's an overview of the ten contradas (contrade) that will compete in the August, 2022 Palio, in the order in which they were extracted (drawn). Please see Extraction of the Contrade post for more background on the process): Tartuca (Turtle) - carried over from 2019Lupa (She-Wolf) - carried … Continue reading Palio Races of July and August 2022: Who’s Running
Author: Tom Paradis
Tom is Professor of Geography and Urban Planning at Butler University in Indianapolis, IN, having moved to the Midwest after 18 years at Northern Arizona University. At NAU he was recognized as a President's Distinguished Teaching Fellow. His teaching and research interests include urban development, historical and cultural landscapes, community and urban design, architectural history, and tourism development. He also teaches a course called Weather, Climate & Society, and an innovative first-year seminar called Unpacking the Hunger Games.
His recent books includes LIVING THE PALIO: A STORY OF COMMUNITY AND PUBLIC LIFE IN SIENA, ITALY (2020 expanded edition) which is available through numerous global retailers. His second, follow-up book about Siena was recently released, UNBRIDLED SPIRIT: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE 2018 EXTRAORDINARY PALIO IN SIENA, ITALY (March 2020). Tom's most recent book takes us away from Siena to the dystopian world of Panem and the Hunger games, in A PLACE CALLED DISTRICT 12: APPALACHIAN GEOGRAPHY AND MUSIC IN THE HUNGER GAMES (available on Amazon and global online retailers). This is the first major book to include interpretations of Suzanne Collins' recent prequel to her Hunger Games series, titled The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.
The Extraction of the Contrade: How Ten Competitors are Chosen for the Palio
(JULY PALIO, 2022: Scroll to the bottom for a list of the ten contrade that will compete in the upcoming Palio, based on the extraction (estrazione) which took place on May 29, 2022. Visitors who are fortunate enough to be in Siena during the days of the Palio (by sheer accident or otherwise) are often … Continue reading The Extraction of the Contrade: How Ten Competitors are Chosen for the Palio
Choosing the Final Ten Horses for the Palio: An Elaborate Process!
One might wonder how horses are chosen for the Palio. The reality is that most horses offered up by their hopeful owners only have a slim chance of making it to Palio day. While more than 100 horses are often placed in contention for possible Palio consideration, only ten are allowed to race. It is … Continue reading Choosing the Final Ten Horses for the Palio: An Elaborate Process!
UNBRIDLED SPIRIT: The Untold Story of the 2018 Extraordinary Palio in Siena, Italy
Now available in paperback and ebook at numerous global online retailers. I am pleased to announce the release of my second book about Siena, the contrade, and the Palio, as of March 2020. This is available through a wide variety of retailers around the world (and on Amazon, of course). The ebook is also available, … Continue reading UNBRIDLED SPIRIT: The Untold Story of the 2018 Extraordinary Palio in Siena, Italy
The Morning Trial Experience: What to Expect
This post is inspired by a recent question on TripAdvisor about what to expect from a morning trial during the "days of the Palio". (Morning and evening trials are similar in their approach. For more on the evening trials, please see TOM'S TIPS within my Palio Schedule page.) The morning trials "officially" begin at 9:00 … Continue reading The Morning Trial Experience: What to Expect
Florence (Firenze) to Siena by Regional Bus
(Updated May, 2022 for transition from Tiemme to Autolinee Toscane bus service.) It is common to visit Siena from nearby Florence (Firenze) by taking the train or bus, and either is recommended to avoid the hassles of driving (for those not used to it). While either approach works fine, the bus drops you directly at … Continue reading Florence (Firenze) to Siena by Regional Bus
What is the song sung by the Sienese during the days of the Palio?
Excerpt adapted in part from my book, Living the Palio. Intro: While you will hear numerous folk songs around Palio time, there is one that is by far the most common melody of them all, the Song of Verbena (Il Canto della Verbena). This is sung by groups of contradaioli (contrada members) during the evening … Continue reading What is the song sung by the Sienese during the days of the Palio?
Trains to Siena and Beyond: The Basics of Trenitalia
Siena is connected well by Italy's national train system, Trenitalia, even though the city is not on a major high-speed line. I have found Italy's train system to be extensive, reliable, and relatively easy to use for those who prefer not to drive. Even in Siena, trains are numerous and frequent, unlike anything Americans are … Continue reading Trains to Siena and Beyond: The Basics of Trenitalia
The Assignment of the Horses
Nearing the conclusion of the assignment (drawing) of the horses on June 29, 2019 for the upcoming July 2 Palio. Complimentary "score sheet" that allows viewers to record the horses and their assigned numbers. After the final 10 horses to run in the Palio were selected prior to the drawing, one could compare their assigned … Continue reading The Assignment of the Horses
Taxis in Siena: How to Call and What to Expect
Siena's taxi service is extensive for a city of this size, with its web site (in English here) claiming to have 55 vehicles and 60 drivers in service. When walking in or around Siena, they are seemingly everywhere, and many visitors depend on them. The company is part of a unified consortium, so all cars … Continue reading Taxis in Siena: How to Call and What to Expect
The Siena Visitor 