The Contrade of Siena, Italy, Pride of the Palio
Ancient Festival in Tuscany, Competition of 17 Sectors of Siena
Sep 7, 2009
Siena, Italy is a picturesque city originally founded as a Roman outpost. Its pedigree as an ancient town of Italy is well-established, bolstered by the annual great festival of Il Palio, a very competitive horse race, whose winner will symbolize primacy of the specific contrada it represents.
The 17 Contrade of Siena, Italy
A contrada is like a city burrough. The contrade of Siena have well defined boundaries within the city. Each contrada has its own history,traditions and families who can trace back their lineage within their contrada. Some contrades are wealthier than others; all are equal in their loyalty and pride.
The contrade prepare all year for Il Palio, the races held annually on July 9 and August 15. The horses and jockeys are chosen by each contrada's committee and Captain. Trials are run before the actual race.
Ten of the contrade actually compete in each Il Palio. Winning Il Palio is the ultimate prize.
Each contrada has its own history and family lineage. It may have associations with certain other contrade. Each has its own coat of arms, name, motto, and colors.
The following are the 17 contrade of Siena:
- AQUILA, the Eagle. Motto: "From the Eagle the beak, the claws, the wing." Colors: Yellow striped with black and azur.
- BRUCO, the Caterpillar. Motto: "Like revolution sounds my name." Colors: Green and yellow with azur striping.
- CHIOCCIOLA, the Snail. Motto: "With a slow and important step the 'chiocciola' leaves the field trumphing." Colors: Red and yellow striped with dark blue.
- CIVETTA, the Owl. Motto: Motto: "I see during the night." Colors: Red and black with white striping.
- DRAGO, the Dragon. Motto: "The heart that burns me becomes a flame in my mouth." Colors: Pink, green and yello.
- GIRAFFA, the Giraffe. Motto: "The higher the head, the higher the glory." Colors: White and red.
- ISTRICE, the Porcupine, or Hedgehog. Motto: "Only for defense I stung." Colors: White, blue, black, and red.
- LEOCORNO, the Unicorn. Motto: "Humberti regio gratia." Colors: White and orange with dark blue striping.
- LUPA, the She-wolf. Motto: "Et urbis et senarum signum et decus." Colors: White and black with orange striping.
- VALDEMONTONE, the Ram. Motto: "Under my blow the wall breaks down." Colors: Red and yellow with white striping.
- NICCIO, the Crowned Ocean Shell. Motto: "It's the red of the coral that burns in my heart." Colors: Blue with yellow and red.
- OCA, the Goose. Motto: "Clangit ad arma." Colors: White and green with red stripe.
- ONDA, the Wave. Motto: "The color of the sky, the power of the ocean." Colors: Blues and white.
- PANTERA, the Pantheresse. Motto: "My energy pulls down every obstacle." Colors: Red and blue with white striping.
- SELVA, the Forest. Motto: "First high forest in the field." Colors: Green and orange with white striping.
- TARTUCA, the Turtle: Motto: "I welcome power and constancy." Colors: Yellow and dark blue.
- TORRE, the Tower. Motto: "Beside the power, the potency." Colors: Crimson with white and blue striping.
Importance of Il Palio to Siena
Il Palio dates back to medieval times, always run by the contrade's nominated horses and jockeys within the circle of Siena's Piazza del Campo. The winner signified primacy of place in the city's hierarchy. To be chosen to ride in Il Palio at all was (and is) an honor of the first order. To win is pride of place beyond measure.
During the months leading up to the race, the contrade have much to do. Each contrada has its own traditions, festivities, and banquets preceding and following Il Palio. There are parades, planning and politicking.
From a tourist perspective this multifarious, colorful sequence of activities is fascinating and fun. For the Sienese citizens of each contrada, it is serious business. Winning the Palio is the greatest of honors, an incomparable achievement. It is a tradition that is embedded in the lifeblood of the city.
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