Galloping into Siena’s Soul: The Palio Unleashed

Experiencing the Palio wasn’t just exciting — it was educational in the richest sense. It challenged students to think deeply about cultural continuity, tradition in modern life, and the power of local identity.  For many of our us, this was their first time seeing a community come together with such intensity and devotion. Leading up to the race, they were immersed in the sights, sounds, and symbols of the Palio — from neighborhood flags flying proudly, to drumbeats echoing through narrow alleyways, to the mesmerizing contrada parades that filled the streets. We feel incredibly fortunate to have shared this moment with our students — and we know it’s something they’ll remember for years to come. The Goose Takes the Crown – Congratulazioni alla Contrada dell’Oca!