[REVISION HISTORY]

Palio di Siena race scheduling and controversies

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2026-08-17 19:03 UTC → 2026-08-18 06:14 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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.

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