In order to maintain my Italian fluency, I plan to study in Italy annually. A language course also enables me to become immersed in the day-to-day life of the locals. I’ll be sharing tips and photos to inspire you to visit these towns, too.
I attended language class at the Scuola Leonardo da Vinci located in the heart of Siena. Among the many things Siena is known are its stunning Cathedral with black and white marble, the Monte dei Paschi, the oldest operating bank in the world and the Piazza del Campo, where the Palio horse race takes place. Twice annually, ten of the seventeen districts or contrade compete in a bareback horse race which does not require the jockey to remain on the horse for a victory!
When I attended language class in Siena, I didn’t realize that I would experience the excitement surrounding the Extraordinary Palio which took place in October, 2018.
Typically, the Palio is held annually in July and August but an unexpected decision was made to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of World War I with a Palio Straordinario. The school hosted several seminars and events which provided insight into the significance of the Palio and the tremendous impact an affiliation with a “contrada” has on each Sienese. I was able to attend the assegnazione or selection of the horses, the benedizione or blessing of a horse and one of the trial races. The energy of the Sienesi was palpable for the entire week preceding the Palio Staordinario. The most visually stunning were the flags that each contrada twirled during the parades.
Grazie Marta, Serena e Martina!
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