Italy: last-minute preps for Siena's famous Palio race

Video. Italy: last-minute preps for Siena's famous Palio race

Thousands of local residents and tourists have gathered in the Tuscan city of Siena to watch the Palio – one of the oldest Italian bareback horse races.

Thousands of local residents and tourists have gathered in the Tuscan city of Siena to watch the Palio – one of the oldest Italian bareback horse races.

Held for the first time in 1482, the Palio remains a deeply-rooted and heartfelt race among the Siena neighbourhoods.

Ten horses race around the medieval Piazza del Campo, the main square of Siena. The city is divided into 17 small areas or districts, called “contrade”, competing against one another to win the horse race.

Each contrada has its own flag, songs and traditions.