Crash the Patio 2022
July 29, 2022
Easter Sunday Wine Brunch
March 24, 2023Experience A Taste of The Palio
EVENT POSTPONED TO OCTOBER 22-23
They call it the world’s most insane horse race.
One of the most famous events in all of Italy, The Palio happens twice each summer in the famous Piazza del Campo, the heart of Siena, in Tuscany.
One horse and rider from each of the 17 “contrade”—or ancient neighborhoods of Siena—race at breakneck speed around the perimeter of the piazza in a 90-second dash for glory!
Come join Nello Olivo Winery for Taste of The Palio!
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—Be a member of one of Siena’s competing contrade, or neighborhoods, for a day—
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—Take the chance to race for glory and great prizes—
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—Taste 6 of Nello Olivo’s delicious Italian, old world style wines—
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—Enjoy Tuscany Meatballs and Fresh Mozzarella Tomato Skewers—
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—Take advantage of our “Race To The Finish” case and 1/2-case special on sale for two days only—
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“A Taste of The Palio!”
Nello Olivo Tasting Room
3544 Carson Road, Camino
October 22-23, 11 – 5
A FREE EVENT
The heart of Siena, The Piazza Del Campo
10 Things to Know About “Il Palio”
1
The first Palio was run in 1401 and is the oldest continually run horse race in the world. To prepare for the race, a thick layer of clay is laid onto the piazza surface.
2
On the big day of the Palio race, over 50,000 people jam into the Piazza del Campo. You can pay thousands of dollars for a seat in a balcony or window overlooking the square.
The colorful flags of the 17 Contrada
3
Siena is divided into 17 neighborhoods, or contrade—each with its own parish church, fountain, and square. Each has its unique emblem and colors and is named after an animal (for example, giraffe, dragon, porcupine, she-wolf, caterpillar, goose etc.) which is displayed on its flags and banners.
4
There may be 17 contrade, but there is room on the narrow race track for only 10 horses. So the race is held twice each summer, in June and August. A form of musical chairs occurs to choose 10 for the first race. The remaining seven are included in the second with three others drawn by lots. Those lucky three then have two chances to win.
5
The Palio is much more than a simple event for the people of Siena, it’s a large part of their lives since birth. Each person belongs to a contrada, participates in the life of the contrada and the Palio throughout the entire year. The Sienese live the Palio with great passion.
As you walk the streets of Siena you know which contrada you’re in by the flags and emblems displayed along the street.
Before the race, colorful pageantry as each contrada gets its proud moment to display its colors and traditional dress.
6
The pre-race pageantry and the race were featured in the opening chase scene of the James Bond movie “Quantum of Solace.” (Watch below)
7
Each contrada pays its jockey handsomely to ride for it, yet any jockey may have been bribed by a competing contrada to fall behind in the race. In past races, horses have reportedly been drugged and jockeys kidnapped! It’s serious business.
8
During the race, there is only one rule: A rider may not interfere with the reins of another horse. Otherwise the race is a wild chaotic brawl at breakneck speed. If a jockey falls of his mount, the riderless horse can still win. The race involves three clockwise laps around the one-third-of-a-mile, narrow track with tight turns. Jockeys ride bareback taking their lives into their hands while spectators go berserk. Ninety seconds later, it’s over.
9
The jockey who comes in second is held in more contempt than the one who comes in last.
10
The Palio prize—besides bragging rights until next year’s Palio—is the “Drappellone,” a large painted silk drape created each year by a different artist. The winning contrada displays the prize in its museum after an ecstatic celebration in the streets of Siena which lasts until the wee hours.