What is a contrada in Italy?
A contrada (plural: contrade) is a subdivision (of various types) of Italian city, now unofficial. Depending on the case, a contrada will be a località, a rione, a quartiere (terziere, etc.), a borgo, or even a suburb.
Why is Palio di Siena celebrated?
It takes place every year on July 2 and August 16. The Palio is run to celebrate the miraculous apparition of the Virgin Mary near the old houses that belonged to Provenzano Salvani. The holy apparition was therefore called “Madonna di Provenzano” in whose honour the very first Palio was run on August 16, 1656.
What is Siena known for?
Siena is famous for its cuisine, art, museums, medieval cityscape and the Palio, a horse race held twice a year in Piazza del Campo.
Is the Palio cruel?
Activists argue the Palio is a cruel event in which horses suffer greatly. Seven horses have died on the course since 2000, with the latest put down in June after crashing during a practice run.
How many contrade are there in Siena?
17 Contrade
Siena is divided into 17 Contrade, unique wards named after an animal or a symbol of nature – all with their own colors and identity. The symbols of those 17 Italian Contrade now frame the Nigro Family plaza. Each Contrade is like a guild or neighborhood with a community center for the members to gather.
What does Siena mean in Italian?
reddish brown
Meaning and Origin of: Sienna The name Sienna is of Italian origin and means “reddish brown.” It is ultimately from the city Siena, Italy due to the reddish-brown clay that originates there.
What is a contrada in Siena?
A contrada (plural: contrade) is a district, or a ward, within an Italian city. The most well-known contrade are the 17 contrade of Siena whose representatives race on horseback in the Palio di Siena, run twice each year.
What is the Palio di Siena?
The contrada’s museum is home to the oldest surviving Palio di Siena banner (also called a palio), which dates from 1719. Aquila’s patron saint is La Vergine (the name of the Most Holy Maria). Her titulary festival is celebrated on 8 September. They are allied to the Civetta (Owl) and Drago (Dragon) contrade.
When was the last time a contrade won the Palio?
Valdimontone last won the Palio on 16 August 2012. Originally 59 contrade were established, taking on functions like a clan in a tribal society. Consolidation over the centuries as needs changed has resulted in the number being reduced to 17 in the early 21st century.
How many neighborhoods participate in the Siena Palio?
There are 17 neighborhoods in the historic center of Siena that participate in the Palio (a neighborhood is a “contrada,” and the plural is “contrade”). During the running of each Palio in Siena, 10 of the participating contrade send a horse and rider to the race.