A look ahead to the Siena Palio Preparations 2026: Traditions, Contrade Life & What to Do When You’re There

realtravelguides
Dec 6, 2025
3 min read

Siena’s Palio is one of Italy’s most spectacular cultural events — a centuries-old horse race between the city’s 17 contrade (neighbourhoods), held twice a year in the stunning Piazza del Campo. But the weeks leading up to the Palio are just as fascinating. With Siena easily reached by train from Florence, Pisa and Chiusi, visiting during preparations gives you an intimate look at tradition, pride and community.

This guide explains what happens before the Palio, how to experience contrade life, where to watch key events, what to eat, where to stay, and how to enjoy Siena during this extraordinary time.

Why Go During Preparations?

The weeks before the Palio are filled with rituals, banners, parades, secret meetings, blessings and street celebrations. It’s the best time to see Siena’s soul — not just the race, but the identity and emotion behind it. You’ll witness locals preparing costumes, drummers rehearsing, and contrade decorating streets with colours and symbols.

A Bit of History

The Palio dates back to medieval times and is deeply tied to Siena’s identity. Each contrada has an animal symbol, colours, a museum and strong community ties. The race itself lasts seconds — but the honour attached to winning lasts forever.

What to Expect

Expect crowded but festive streets, neighbourhood pride on display, flags hanging from balconies, traditional costumes and excited groups preparing for processions. Siena feels alive, emotional and united during Palio season.

Five Key Events & Things to See Before the Palio

1. Contrada Museums & Oratories

Each neighbourhood has its own museum showcasing historic costumes, flags, and Palio banners. Visiting these spaces offers insight into the city’s history and rivalries.

2. Horse Trials (La Tratta & Prove)

Before the race, horses are selected and tested in Piazza del Campo. Morning and evening trials allow visitors to see the riders prepare and the contrade react.

3. Contrada Dinners (Cene di Contrada)

Large outdoor communal dinners unite each neighbourhood before the race. Tourists may join if invited or if the contrada opens bookings. These dinners are unforgettable: long tables, speeches, songs and passionate atmosphere.

4. Blessing of the Horse (La Benedizione)

On race day, each contrada has its horse blessed in its neighbourhood church. This emotional ceremony is extremely important to locals and a highlight for visitors who attend respectfully.

5. Corteo Storico (Historic Parade)

Costumed flag-throwers, drummers, knights and pageantry march through Siena before the race. It’s one of Italy’s most spectacular parades — the perfect culmination of the preparation period.

Food Culture During Palio Season

Expect hearty Tuscan dishes served at communal tables, food stalls, wine flowing, traditional sweets and local pride everywhere.

Siena Food Explained

Pici – Thick hand-rolled pasta with ragù or garlic sauce.

Ribollita – Tuscan vegetable and bread soup.

Panforte – Spiced Sienese fruit cake.

Cinta Senese – Local pork speciality.

Chianti Classico – The region’s iconic red wine.

Where to Eat

Osteria Le Logge – Refined Tuscan cuisine.

La Taverna di San Giuseppe – Atmospheric dining in a stone cellar.

Pian delle Fornaci – Near several contrade, authentic and welcoming.

Street stands – Perfect during festival nights.

Where to Stay

Hotel Athena – Panoramic views and historic charm.

Albergo Chiusarelli – Near parade routes.

Il Battistero Siena – Stylish rooms steps from the cathedral.

Off the Beaten Track

Walk the Contrada Borders: Each neighbourhood has painted street markers — discovering them gives you a unique view of Siena’s social geography.

How to Get There by Train

From Florence: Around 1 hr 25 mins with a change in Empoli.
From Pisa: Approximately 2 hrs 15 mins.
From Chiusi: About 45 mins.

Perfect Weekend Itinerary During Palio

Preparations

Day 1:Visit contrada museums, watch a horse trial, enjoy a walk through decorated streets. Dinner in a traditional trattoria.

Day 2:Attend the blessing of the horse, watch drum rehearsals, attend the Provo ( practice ) races in the 3 days prior race day ( you get all the atmosphere of the actual race especially for the evening Provo races) , and spend the evening in festive contrada streets.