The Palio di Siena lasts less than two minutes and has been run regularly for more than 350 years. Just watch those hooves.
Twice a summer, the 17 districts (or parishes, or contrade) of Siena, Italy, send forth their top riders in a bareback horse-riding competition called the Palio di Siena. Their prize? A silk banner depicting the Madonna and child — and all of the bragging rights.
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Not all 17 parishes get to participate in the main event. Trial races are held the day before to whittle the field down to the actual 10 competitors. Here, Giovanni Atzeni, better known as Tittia to the crowds, rides as the representative of Onda (Wave) parish.
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Tens of thousands of fans cram into the Piazza Del Campo on the day of the trials as well as the main event, but the horses still manage to find the quieter spaces. Here, Naike, the horse representing the Aquila (Eagle) parish, rests before a qualifier. (Notice the eagle-emblazoned flags lining the alley.)
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It's a time when civic pride is at its peak. Here, a priest baptizes a baby into the Selva (Forest) parish the day before the race.
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