ITALY ~ Il Palio - Siena ~

... A nice interesting postcard related to my last post... Siena is divided into 17 neighborhoods, or contrade...  during the running of the Palio, 10 of the participating contrade send a horse and rider to the race chosen randomly by lottery... the neighborhood then adopts it, showering it with love, washing and grooming it, and keeping it in a five-star stable... each contrada is represented by a mascot (porcupine, unicorn, she-wolf, and so on) and a distinctive flag... its colors are worn and flown all year long, but omnipresent as the race nears... the contrade support their rider with medieval marches, complete with flag-throwers and musicians, all wearing the symbol and colors of the neighborhood....Thanks Gian Luca and Raffaella!ヽ(•‿•)ノ   

Since antiquity, the city of Siena has been divided into three parts, called Terzi: the Terzo di Città, the Terzo di Camollia and the Terzo di San Martino. The 'contrade' (districts) of Siena are derived from this subdivision, in a tradition that is centuries old and full of curiosities.

In a report of the August Festival in 1546 written by Cecchino Cartaio, we find 16 Contrade mentioned, and a few years later, all 17 contrade appear with their current names: Aquila, Bruco, Chiocciola, Civetta, Drago, Giraffa, Istrice, Liocorno, Lupa, Montone, Oca, Onda, Pantera, Nicchio, Selvalta, Torre, Tartuca.

Each Contrade is like a guild or neighborhood with a community center for the members to gather, they all have a museum, fountain, baptismal font, and chapel.

Stamp: 

Italian Squares 

(Issued 02-07-2016)

ITALY ~ The Palio Horse Race - Siena ~

... Nice view of one of Italy’s most spectacular horse events that has been taking place in this stunning town since 1656... one of Tuscany’s most awaited summer events... it is a 90-second spectacle preceded by days of parades, trial races, and passionate, often religious, community events... the race consists of three turns around the Piazza del Campo, the main city square... with unique rules and centuries-old history... and is famously rough, with jockeys often falling, but the horse can win even without a rider... more than just a horse race Il Palio is full of passion and excitement, reflecting deep-seated contrade (district) rivalries rather than a tourist show... Thanks a lot Gian Luca and Raffaella! (✿◠‿◠)

Horse racing in Siena dates from 1232. The Palio was first held in 1482 as a civic celebration. The current course was formally established in 1659 and has been held semiannually on July 2 and on August 16 since 1701, except during wartimes.

Ten horses and bareback riders represent ten of the 17 city districts or ‘Contradas’, each one of them carry their own colours, emblems and flags. 

Stamp:

Europa stamp - Underwater flora and fauna

(Issued 9-05-2024)