THE PALIO OF SIENA
PALIO of Siena Schedule
Each year, the schedule for the palio remains exactly the same, with dates for the first Palio always from June 29th - July 2nd, and dates for the second Palio always from August 13th - August 16th. Of course there are many preparations, small celebrations, dinners and ceremonies during the weeks preceeding and following the official dates of the Palio.
FIRST PALIO OF SIENA - JULY
June 29th
- 12:00 Assigninag of the Horses to the Contrade
- 7:45 The first Prova June
June 30th
- 9:00 The Second Prova
- 5:00 The Procession of the "Cero Votivo," Votive Candle
- 7:45 The Third Prova
July 1st
- 9:00 The Fourth Prova
- 7:45 The Prova Generale
- Dinner of The Prova Generale afterwards
July 2nd
- 7:30 Mass of the Fantino in the Chapel of Piazza del Campo
- 9:00 Last Prova, known as the "Provaccia"
- In the early afternoon, around 2:30, in the church of every contrada which participates in the Palio there is the Benediction of the Horses and of the Fantino
- 4:00 The Closing of Piazza del Campo begins
- The only entrance way is at Via Dupre until 6:30 when the piazza is completely closed.
- 5:00 The beginning of the historic pageant
- 7:20 The corsa begins
- After the Victory: Te deum of thanks in the Chiesa di piazza Provenzano
SECOND PALIO OF SIENA - AUGUST
August 13th
- 12:00 Assigning of the Horses to the Contrade
- 7:15 The first Prova
August 14th
- 9:00 The Second Prova
- 5:00 The Procession of the "Cero Votivo," Votive Candle
- 7:15 The Third Prova
August 15th
- 9:00 The Fourth Prova
- 7:15 The Prova Generale
- Dinner of The Prova Generale afterwards
August 16th
- 7:30 Mass of the Fantino in the Chapel of Piazza del Campo
- 9:00 Last Prova, known as the "Provaccia"
- In the early afternoon, around 2:00, in the church of every contrada which participates in the Palio there is the Benediction of the Horses and of the Fantino
- 4:00 The Closing of Piazza del Campo begins
- The only entrance way is at Via Dupre until 6:00 when the piazza is completely closed.
- 5:00 The beginning of the historic pageant
- 7:00 The corsa begins
- After the Victory: Te deum of thanks in the Duomo of Siena
Discover more about the Palio of Siena:
