just found out this event is held July2
I was planning on bein in siena from June 27 with departure on the 29th. Although I've heard this is fabulous, I don't like really big crowds. How crazy will it be the 3 days before the event?

Pretty crazy....they haul in dump trucks of dirt to fill up the campo to make the track, there are practice races, and all the contradas are busy with various social events leading up to the race. Not to mention the hordes of people who come into town to participate in the festivities.

It will be totally crazy and then there is the big issue of trying to find a viewing spot. If you think that is easy to do, think again.

And remember the actual "race" lasts a total of about three minutes.

I was there the day before the Palio and did not think it was that insane....and I loath crowds. It was fun to see the various neigborhoods being decorated with flags, etc. I don't think you'll have any problems as you're departing 3+ days before the big event.

I have also been at the Palio both before and after the event. There are trial runs many days before the actual race. With all the pagentry involved. Here is a good website explaining the days leading up to the Palio and at the bottom is a link for buying tickets. When you click on that link notice the pictures at the right of the people jammed into the campo.


www.initaly.com/info/palio/prepalio.htm

Sorry...thought you were only asking about the day OF the race.

Last time we were there we managed to attend the Mass in the cathedral at which all the various groups, in their particular "costumes" gathered for a blessing, etc. I think this may have occurred the day before the race itself and it was interesting to see.

The town itself didn't seem all that crowded or "crazy" but on the day of the race itself and AT the race itself it was pretty chaotic and the Campo was jammed to overflowing.