The Palio di Siena is a very famous horse race that is held twice a year in Piazza del Campo in Siena. Bareback riders, representing the seventeen contrade or city wards (Aquila, Bruco, Chiocciola, Civetta, Drago, Giraffa, Istrice, Leocorno, Lupa, Nicchio, Oca, Onda, Pantera, Selva, Tartuca, Torre, Valdimontone) circle Piazza del Campo three times. 

The Palio dates back to the Middle Ages, and is held on July 2nd (Palio di Luglio) and on August 16th (Palio di Mezzo Agosto).