I just read there may be a Palio this May and possibly even September in Sienna because of the Jubilee year! Can anyone confirm or deny this and are there specific dates set? <BR> <BR>Many thanks in advance from the teutonic turnip

I'm curious -- where did you read this? I just checked some websites re the Palio and didn't see any indication of this, which doesn't mean it isn't happening, but... I'd be a bit surprised, because the Palio isn't just a tourist event, it's a pretty serious thing for the people of Siena, and it's always been in July and August. There's a pretty set calendar of associated events, e.g., one of the victory dinners is in September. BTW, other towns hold palios (not as grand as Siena's) at different times of the year. Some are serious horseraces, and some are more satirical -- I know that the donkey palio in Forte dei Marmi, Lucca province, is in May.

Rick Steves "Italy 2000" guide book.

Hmmm...interersting. I did find the city of Siena's Jubilee calendar of events at http://www.comune.siena.it/indice.html and the Palio dates are listed as July 2 and Aug. 16.

topper