The Palio di Siena Has Been Postponed—What Happened?

Bad weather has forced Siena to postpone the Palio dell’Assunta. A violent downpour hit Piazza del Campo around 2:00 p.m., soaking the tuff and making it impossible to hold the Historical Procession and the Race. Following a meeting between the captains of the Contrade, a unanimous decision was reached to postpone the event until Monday, August 17.

The postponement was made official by the display of the green flag at the trifore of the Palazzo Pubblico. This decision was made primarily to ensure the safety of the horses and jockeys. “We voted unanimously by a show of hands for the safety of the horses and jockeys,” explained Alessandro Maggi, captain of the Chiocciola and dean of the captains.

The decision was made after assessing the track conditions and the progression of the thunderstorm, which lasted about half an hour. Another factor was the failure of the Historical Procession to begin, a traditional and essential part of Palio day. “The procession didn’t start. We deliberately waited to give the procession a chance to take place,” explained Maggi. “In the end, however, the conditions in the square did not allow us to proceed.”

Weather permitting, the Carriera will be rescheduled for Monday, August 17, maintaining the previously scheduled times. The first warning signal, marked by the firing of a firecracker, is scheduled for 3:00 p.m., followed by a second at 3:30 p.m. At 4:10 p.m., the track will begin to be cleared, while the parade of the mounted Carabinieri squad is scheduled for 4:45 p.m. At 4:50 p.m., the Historical Procession will make its entrance into Piazza del Campo. The horses are scheduled to leave the Cortile del Podestà for the Palio at 7:00 p.m.