# Palio di Siena race scheduling and controversies

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/palio-di-siena-race-scheduling-and-controversies
> Updated: 2026-08-16T10:45:45.000Z. Sources: 44. Developments: 2.

The Palio horse race in Siena has faced logistical and social challenges. Initially, the city released a detailed schedule for the August event, including preparations such as the laying of the tufo and various horse trials.

However, the Palio dell'Assunta has faced repeated delays due to severe weather. Following an initial postponement from Sunday to Monday due to heavy rainfall and thunderstorms on August 16, persistent storms continued into Monday, August 17. This second consecutive day of heavy rain rendered the tuff track in Piazza del Campo unsafe for horses and jockeys.

Following an emergency meeting between Mayor Nicoletta Fabio, the Contrada Captains, and the Magistrato delle Contrade, officials displayed the green flag, a symbol of cancellation, to prioritize participant safety. This marks the second postponement of the Palio in 2026, following a similar weather-related delay in July. 

If weather conditions permit, the race is tentatively rescheduled for Tuesday, August 18, following the traditional program: a historical procession followed by the race at 19:00, with ten Contrade—Selva, Chiocciola, Oca, Nicchio, Lupa, Istrice, Torre, Aquila, Onda, and Giraffa—competing. The event is expected to be broadcast on La7, featuring notable participants such as jockey Jonatan Bartoletti, known as ‘Scompiglio’, riding for the Chiocciola Contrada.

Alongside the weather issues, the event has been subject to controversy regarding the Drappellone, the ceremonial prize cloth. The artwork by Teodora Axente has drawn criticism from the Diocese of Siena and local citizens for its depiction of the Madonna, which has been described as unconventional and allegedly androgynous. Mayor Nicoletta Fabio defended the selection despite social media backlash, expressing personal distress over the nature of the public criticism.

## Claims

- Romanian artist Teodora Axente created the Drappellone for the Palio dell'Assunta. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- A thunderstorm cell formed directly over Siena, with rain expected to continue for approximately an hour or ninety minutes before improving. (single source)
- Weather conditions in Siena are expected to improve significantly after 3:00 PM or 4:00 PM. (single source)
- The Diocese of Siena criticized the Drappellone for deviating from traditional iconographic canons. (single source)
- Siena Mayor Nicoletta Fabio expressed personal distress regarding the controversy over the Drappellone's design. (single source)
- Ten Contrade are competing in the Palio dell'Assunta race in Piazza del Campo. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-16: Palio di Siena postponed due to heavy rain

The Palio di Siena horse race has been postponed multiple times due to heavy rain making the Piazza del Campo track unsafe. The race is now scheduled for August 18, weather permitting.

44 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/siena-prepares-for-palio-dellassunta-amid-weather-and-art-controversy

### 2026-08-05: Siena's Palio di Agosto 2024 Schedule Unveiled

Siena releases the full schedule for the 16 August 2024 Palio, detailing preparations, trials, and the final race, while Contrada Giraffa stresses the need for a strong horse and jockey for the event.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/siena-announces-schedule-for-august-16-palio-horse-race

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Cite as: Palio di Siena race scheduling and controversies. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/palio-di-siena-race-scheduling-and-controversies