95. Siena's Amazing ( and Crazy!!) Race

Imagine this...since 1659, ten horses and ten riders race bareback around the perimeter of the Piazza del Campo, three times at breakneck speed, on a narrow track packed with clay. The horses are blessed beforehand, and somehow 30,000 people fit into the piazza to cheer on their team representing their contrada (neighborhood). This is Siena's most treasured event, so much so, that they do it twice each summer, on July 2nd and August 16th. Horse racing in Siena started in 1232, and clearly the popularity has not waned. It's a sight to see with the locals colorful costumes representing each contrada, and those fearless horses and riders – it all makes for a very memorable visit to Siena. Museum Santa Maria Della Scalla https://www.santamariadellascala.com Link to watercolorist Geremia Cerri's Show in Siena https://www.facebook.com/events/949146343169810/?ref=newsfeed Ciao, Ciao!!