The Untold Story Of The 2018 Extraordinary Palio In Siena Italy

The Palio di Siena is a time-honored tradition dating back to the 17th century that captivates visitors from all around the world. This exhilarating horse race takes place twice a year, on July 2 and August 16, in the charming city of Siena, Italy. While the Palio attracts thousands of spectators, the 2018 edition held a truly extraordinary story, making it a race to remember.

Palio di Siena: A Brief Overview

The origins of the Palio trace back to medieval times when the city's contrade, or neighborhoods, competed against each other in horse races to showcase their strength and supremacy. Today, the Palio is a fierce rivalry between the city's 17 contrade, each represented by a horse and a jockey.

Unbridled Spirit: The Untold Story of the 2018 Extraordinary Palio in Siena, Italy

by Thomas W. Paradis (Kindle Edition)

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	10460 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	329 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

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Throughout history, the Palio has garnered a reputation for its intense competitiveness, as riders push themselves to the limit to secure victory for their contrada. The race takes place in Il Campo, Siena's main square, which transforms into a dirt racetrack. The track itself is challenging, featuring some tight turns, sharp corners, and unpredictable terrain, making it a true test of skill and bravery.

The 2018 Extraordinary Palio

The year 2018 will forever be engraved in Palio di Siena's history. It was a momentous occasion, not only due to the nail-biting race but also due to the unprecedented circumstances surrounding it.

The Unexpected Entry

One of the key events that made the 2018 Palio extraordinary was the unexpected entry of the Contrada dell'Onda (the Wave Contrada). The Contrada dell'Onda had been absent from the Palio for over two decades, which generated enormous excitement among Siena's citizens. The contrada's return was met with an outpouring of celebration and enthusiasm, as the streets filled with joyful supporters.

A Legendary Jockey's Return

The 2018 Palio also marked the highly anticipated comeback of a legendary jockey, Giovanni "Il Veloce" Russo. Il Veloce, renowned for his speed and agility, had retired from the Palio after his fifth victory, leaving a lasting legacy. However, news of his decision to return for one final race created a buzz of anticipation throughout Siena.

Intense Rivalries

The Palio is synonymous with intense rivalries, and the 2018 edition was no exception. The Contrada della Lupa (the Wolf Contrada) and the Contrada del Drago (the Dragon Contrada) had been fierce adversaries for centuries. As fate would have it, both contrade ended up in the final race lineup, setting the stage for an epic battle.

The Horserace That Stole Hearts

The race day arrived, engulfing Siena in an electrifying atmosphere. Thousands of excited spectators, dressed in the colors of their contrada, flocked to Il Campo, awaiting the commencement of the race. The tension was palpable as the horses lined up.

A Thrilling Display of Skill

From the start, it was evident that the race would be fiercely contested. The jockeys, atop their majestic horses, maneuvered through the treacherous track, deftly handling turns and obstacles. Giovanni Russo, true to his reputation, showcased his incredible skills, expertly navigating through the chaotic pack.

As the race progressed, the Contrada della Lupa and the Contrada del Drago battled neck to neck, their determination inspiring awe in onlookers. The crowd erupted in cheers as the horses galloped with tremendous speed, accompanied by the heartwarming sound of passionate supporters.

A Photo Finish and Unforgettable Victory

The final moments of the race were nothing short of breathtaking. The horses, giving their all, embarked on the last stretch, creating an atmosphere of sheer anticipation. In an astonishing display of courage and skill, the Contrada della Lupa's horse crossed the finish line a mere split second ahead of the Contrada del Drago, claiming the victory in a photo finish.

The 2018 Palio will always be remembered as an extraordinary edition of this ancient tradition. From the unexpected entry of the Contrada dell'Onda, to the return of the legendary jockey Giovanni Russo, and the fierce rivalry between the Contrada della Lupa and the Contrada del Drago, this Palio captivated the hearts of all who witnessed it.

The unpredictable twists and turns of the race, the passion of the spectators, and the remarkable victory only added to the allure of the Palio di Siena. It is an event that not only showcases the rich heritage and traditions of Siena but also highlights the indomitable spirit of its people.

If you ever find yourself in Italy during the Palio, be sure to witness this extraordinary spectacle that unites a city and captures the essence of competition, camaraderie, and celebration.

Unbridled Spirit: The Untold Story of the 2018 Extraordinary Palio in Siena, Italy

by Thomas W. Paradis (Kindle Edition)

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	10460 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	329 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

Once in a great while the people of Siena, Italy organize a special horse race beyond the normal Palio events of July and August. Known as a Straordinario, or Extraordinary Palio, the city’s seventeen timeless contrade (neighborhoods) reserve such events to honor only the most significant occasions, not the least being the Apollo 11 lunar landing and the turn of the millennium. Eighteen years would pass before the next Straordinario featured herein, which arguably pulled the community quite outside its comfort zone. Unbridled Spirit invites readers to dive into the locally contentious effort in October, 2018 to commemorate the hundredth anniversary of the end of World War I. Upon Siena’s whirlwind decision to hold the event, Thomas Paradis visited off-season to explore the history and meanings of the war and to experience a rare October Palio that came close to not happening at all.

Whether you are a newcomer or more familiar with Siena’s Palio, Unbridled Spirit offers intriguing local stories and perspectives that help us appreciate what the Palio means to Siena, and how its people rallied to encourage a unique centenary reflection on La Grande Guerra—the Great War. Includes illustrations, glossary, bibliography, and notes.