We will be in Italy during that time. We could fit it in but I'm not sure if it is worth going to with 3 children. I have this image of Medieval Nights in Italian?

the place is jamed and all the good viewing spots are probably already gone. this is a big local event so even getting dinner after the event is hard. with 3 children you most probably end up with cranky,bored and hungry kids. best seen on tv

There are two of these events held every year. One of the most interesting parts happens (I think the day as I recall) before the famous race when all the groups of particpants, dressed in the regalia particular to their own group, gather in the local cathedral and are blessed. The race itself can be mayhem personified and it takes place in the "town square"...and only lasts a few minutes with lots of "color" and spectacle. To get a good viewing spot can be difficult. But even if you don't attend, the town itself is quite magical. If you're going there expecting to see Sir Lancelot you may be a bit disappointed but if you're the type who likes so-called "local culture" then the whole thing can be unforgettable.

Just to add to other posters, if you had some connections to get a spot in one of the houses that surround the square that would make bringing children feasible. My physician had a contact but it still cost him $250 per person for the rare spot available.

As for the experience itself, it is marvelous. My wife and I, in our 60's, stood in the square around which the race is run. There are no seats. We got there at 1 p.m. and the race went off at 7 p.m. It was hot. This was in September 2000 when Siena conducted a special bicentennial Palio.

The pageant before the race starts about 3:30 p.m. Each contrada (neighborhood) then marches around the square. Their outfits are magnificent. Their demeanor is not campy. They march with dignity and take the race very seriously. The parade lasts over two hours. This is truly a once in a lifetime experience.

You might consider hiring a babysitter so you and your spouse can experience it.

Good luck.

The Palio is an extraordinary event, but not one that you would want to take three children to unless you were lucky enough to have seats, which are very difficult to come by. Something like 50,000 people are crammed into the center of the campo, and the rest of the crowd is in stands (and balconies of houses) on the outside of the track. It is a scene of complete mayhem, and if you don't have a ticketed seat or spot on someone's balcony it is nearly impossible to see unless you are very tall, and people are fairly regularly fainting and being dragged away by medics.
A better plan with children would be to plan to attend one of the practice races which are held in the days just before the actual Palio race. You can wander into the campo and sit for free on the stands. And you could certainly plan to wander the streets of Siena after the race is over - the entire town is out singing, chanting, drinking, and eating in their respective contradas, and it's a sight to behold.

About a year ago, somebody posted "a Palio Letter" here. Look it up- I think it is certainly worth reading if you are interested in the Palio! I know it made me want to go!
Byrd

I went to the Palio years ago and really enjoyed it but a good part of what made it fun was attending some of the trials and events prior to the race. A good article which talks about some of these is: http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/notes/...tina_palio.htm. You don't say how old your children are, but young children would probably not be tall enough to see the race from the standing positions and tickets for seats are very expensive and difficult to find.

I would recommend going to one of the trials a few days before the palio. It is less crowded. I went with my parents and siblings, we were a group of about 10 including boyfriends etc. It was great fun to see how difficult it is to ride around the plaza with no saddle. Very tight turns. Also to see the flags and Italians cheering for there groups. We were staying in a villa outside of Siena - the owner provided the tickets and recommended the trials over the actual palio.

We spent two weeks in Siena last March and is IS truly a beautiful city in which to explore. But I wouldn't take 3 children to the Palio. The Palio was explained to us thoroughly and it is apparently a real "mess" of crowds, with up to 100,000 people crammed into the city.
If one had a good viewing point, I guess it would be interesting, but it's not a time to see the "real" Siena.

Thank yoe everyone who responded your answers were very thoughtful and detailed. It made our decision so much easier. My children are 10 yrs old (triplets). I think we will be going to see the practice races and the parade the day before. We'll wander about Siena after the race is over as St.Cirq suggested.
Again, thank you. Susie