Day 21: Palio Day!
Friday, August 16th
Morning Class and Palio Day!
Today is a special day as it’s Audrey’s 16th birthday!
We held our last formal classes this morning. Students are now hard at work on their final culminating projects and presentations.
After lunch at the hotel, we headed into the city for the Palio! 10 of the 17 neighbourhoods in Siena take part in the race. The seven neighbourhoods that didn’t get to race in today’s race will take part in next July’s race. Students were excited and wanted to show their spirit by picking a team to cheer on. We purchased flags in the city that are traditionally draped over the shoulders.
In the lead up to the race, many processions take place throughout the city.
The event is free and based on a first come first served principle. We arrived 4 hours early to ensure we got a prime spot. We were amazed as the parade started through the square. Flag bearers, trumpeters, men in medieval armour. It was like stepping back in time.
Unfortunately, as the parade was ending, the rain set in and the race officials postponed the race to tomorrow for safety reasons.
Undeterred, we enjoyed spending the evening in the city and seeing the different neighbourhoods celebrate.
We are hope for better luck tomorrow!
Bertan
Program Manager
Italy August
