Thursday 15 April 2010 - A race that lasts less only a few minutes, is the subject of debate and competition all year round and can cause men and women to laugh or cry; such is the Palio, the greatest traditional festival in Siena. Siena is divided into seventeen contrade (areas of the city). The Sienese people belong first to a contrada and then to the city. Each contrada competes against one another in the Palio, and rivalry and competition are an integral part of the preceding months before the event. Ten contrade are selected for each race, each contrada is assigned a horse. There are two palio races each summer; one on the 2nd of July, and the second on the 16th August. The festivities start three days prior to each Palio. During this time, there are banquets, parades and celebrations. Contrada colours are worn by Sienese people, and music, singing and drumming can be heard on the streets at all times of the day or night. On the day of the Palio, spectators crowd into the piazza from noon on. The more sedate will pay for seats situated around the edge of the piazza, which are usually sold out eight months in advance. The winning contrada feasts and celebrates for weeks afterwards with banquets. The Palio is a unique phenomenon: It is a once in a lifetime experience to witness and enjoy.