The Palio Di Siena

SIENA, ITALY - JULY 01: A handler and jockey prepare ahead of a trial race of the historical Italian horse race of the Palio Di Siena on July 01, 2016 in Siena, Italy. The Palio di Siena, known locally simply as Il Palio, is a horse race that is held twice each year on 2 July and 16 August, in Siena, Italy. Ten horses representing ten of the seventeen districts 'Contradas' with jockeys 'Fantini' riding bareback compete during a three lap race around a makeshift course built in the 'Piazza del Campo' the city's central square to win the Palio banner. The Palio di Siena is more than a simple horse race. It is the culmination of ongoing rivalry and competition between the contrade. The lead-up and the day of the race are invested with passion and pride. The Palio held on 2 July is named Palio di Provenzano, in honour of the Madonna of Provenzano, a Marian devotion particular to Siena which developed around an icon from the Terzo Camollia. The race winner is awarded a banner of painted silk, or palio, which is hand-painted by a different artist for each race. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)