palio

palio sm (= gara): il Palio → horserace run at Siena;

mettere qc in palio → to offer sth as a prize

palio

The Palio is a horse race which takes place in a number of Italian towns, the most famous being the "Palio di Siena". The Tuscan race dates back to the thirteenth century; nowadays it is usually held twice a year, on 2 July and 16 August, in the Piazza del Campo. 10 of the 17 city districts or "contrade" take part; the winner is the first horse to complete the course, whether or not it still has its rider. The race is preceded by a procession of "contrada" members in historical dress.