Siena’s Palio: The Thrilling Horse Race of Tuscany

The Palio di Siena is one of Tuscany’s most extraordinary events, held twice each year in July and August, in honour of the Virgin Mary. It’s the oldest horse race in the world, ridden bareback by jockeys around a makeshift course set up in Siena’s Piazza del Campo. Each horse represents a Sienese district, or contrada. It’s fast-paced and thrilling, a rush of breakneck turns and sly competition, often lasting fewer than two minutes. Jockeys often fall; but unlike conventional horse racing, a horse doesn’t need a rider to win the race. As a photographer I’m drawn to community, and how sport can bring people together. I love the challenge of capturing all the sound, energy, emotion and competition of a real-life experience in a still image. The Palio was my ultimate lure.

A Thrill Like No Other overview

The Palio di Siena is one of Tuscany’s most extraordinary events, held twice each year in July and August, in honour of the Virgin Mary. It’s the oldest horse race in the world, ridden bareback by jockeys around a makeshift course set up in Siena’s Piazza del Campo. Each horse represents a Sienese district, or contrada. It’s fast-paced and thrilling, a rush of breakneck turns and sly competition, often lasting fewer than two minutes. Jockeys often fall; but unlike conventional horse racing, a horse doesn’t need a rider to win the race. As a photographer I’m drawn to community, and how sport can bring people together. I love the challenge of capturing all the sound, energy, emotion and competition of a real-life experience in a still image. The Palio was my ultimate lure.

Important details from the source

  • Photographer James Cannon has experienced one of the world’s greatest horse races closer to the action than almost anyone else.
  • Here, he shares his striking images of Siena’s Palio — and the experience through his eyes.
  • The Palio di Siena is one of Tuscany’s most extraordinary events, held twice each year in July and August, in honour of the Virgin Mary.
  • It’s the oldest horse race in the world, ridden bareback by jockeys around a makeshift course set up in Siena’s Piazza del Campo.
  • Each horse represents a Sienese district, or contrada.
  • It’s fast-paced and thrilling, a rush of breakneck turns and sly competition, often lasting fewer than two minutes.
  • Jockeys often fall; but unlike conventional horse racing, a horse doesn’t need a rider to win the race.
  • As a photographer I’m drawn to community, and how sport can bring people together.
  • I love the challenge of capturing all the sound, energy, emotion and competition of a real-life experience in a still image.
  • I spent time with the people of the Drago contrada, one of the districts competing in the Palio.

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