The clay course in the iconic Piazza del Campo was turned completely to mud by a torrential storm, and thus the event was postponed.
The first of this year’s two races, held on July 2, was the first Palio to go ahead post pandemic, with the Drago contrada taking home the grand prize of the "Drappellone" or large drape, a painted canvas created each year by a different artist, which the winning contrada displays in their district’s museum. The Drago's Zio Frac, a seven-year-old bay gelding ridden by now eight-time Palio winner Giovanni Atzeni, aka Tittia, held off a stirring comeback by the Torre contrada to win in a thrilling photo-finish, the Piazza finally jam-packed once more with roaring fans.
The Palio, meaning "banner", dates back to the 13th century, and is one of Italy's most colourful tourist attractions, although many newcomers to the event are shocked at how violent it can be and how much deep-rooted interurban hostility it can arouse.
This iconic race, which famously formed the backdrop to the opening sequence of the 2007 James Bond film Quantum of Solace, typically takes place each year on July 2 and August 16, although some years, an extra event is held at the beginning of September.
The Palio of the Assumption, the second of the two races held each year, was set to run at 19:15 Tuesday night, but will now proceed today, provided that the weather behaves in the favour of fans and competitors, who undoubtedly await the rescheduled event with bated breath.
