Liz

I know Palio tickets are very expensive so I was wondering if anyone has been to the time trials which I heard are very exciting as well. Do they sell tickets for it, or is it a more casual affair that one just shows up for? I've heard they are held on Aug.13, does anyone know what time of day? Is it the same as the actual Palio on the 16?
Dying to go but not willing to stand in the centre of the square for 3 or 4 hours with young kids, or spend 350.00 a ticket for a seat. Does anyone a info out there?

Paulo

There are 6 trial runs. One on Aug. 12 (evening), two each on Aug. 13 & 14 (morning & evening) and one on race day (morning). If nothing has changed since I've been there (a century ago, more or less), the morning trials are at 9am and the evening trials at 7:45pm.

The trial runs and the actual race are over in a little more than a minute ... very little if you're not "grooved" on what's happening (which contrade have real chances to win, strategies, alliances, etc). It's not a kids event to be seen live. Better watch it on TV during Palio day (the whole stuff, pageantry, etc).

Paulo

Leo

Hi,
I happened on the trial one night two years ago by accident. We were staying outside of Siena and we drove in at 6:30 PM for my husband and son to check e-mail. I waited for them for them in the Campo. They got held up and didn't make it back to the Campo for the race, but they did get to see the horse being led down the street to the Campo and all the singing and revelry. They thought that was very interesting. I stayed in the Campo and watched the Trial. Three times around the track, but much more slowly than the actual race. I thought it was very interesting and would recommend it if you are in the area. The crowds were very lively and some of the school children were dressed up, and the starting gun was LOUD. That year we watched the actual race on TV in our nearby "Castle, but this year we are staying in Siena.

Liz

Thanks for the tips Paulo and Leo, I think we'll be in Siena on Aug.14 so we will may catch one of the trials. Our kids are 11 and 12 and would love the excitement of it all. The pagentry of it all is what attracts me and not so much the race itself, which I do really want to catch someday. We were in Seina a couple of years ago just before the Palio and the energy in the town was incredible, I can only imagine what it would be like for the actual race.

Paulo

Yes, Liz. Just play it by ear. The morning trial run on August 14th should be less crowded that the one in the evening. If you can make it into town early it doesn't cost to go directly to the Piazza and see what's up. Be sure to mark a meeting point with your kids (say, the entrance to the Palazzo Pubblico). When my brother and I were their age we had a special ability to sneak through crouds ... ability that our parents didn't have by a long shot

Paulo