Day 22: Palio Round Two
Saturday, August 17th
Palio: Round Two
After 10 days of non-stop action and adventure, we finally had a day to sleep in! It was much needed.
After lunch at the hotel, we put on our fan gear and headed back into the city centre for another attempt at Palio.
We arrived early again, to secure our prime spot. While a few dark clouds made us doubt whether the race would happen, we were soon enough welcomed by sunshine and we knew that today would be the day.
The square quickly filled up and we were glad we arrived early. After a series of false starts to the race, we were finally off to the races at 7:30PM. It was an incredibly exhilarating 90 seconds which was quickly followed by thousands of people erupting in celebrations. It was absolutely electrifying.
Following the race, we enjoyed the processions and celebrations in the city that went into the night.
We quickly learned, that as part of the celebration, members of the winning neighbourhood celebrate by parading through the city waving flags and sucking on pacifiers and baby milk bottles. It was incredible thousands of grown adults walking around with pacifiers.
We are looking forward to our last Sunday Funday tomorrow.
Bertan
Program Manager
Italy August
