What is a Palio?

Many people hear the word palio and think of Sienna's famous horserace. A palio is not a horserace and a palio can be found in many Italian towns and cities. So what is a palio? Read the palio definition to find out.

Last night we saw an unusual palio competition in the town of Aulla in Tuscany's Lunigiana region. The districts, or contrade, of Aulla race through town in a relay with teams of two runners pulling a homemade wooden cart with a rider crouching inside, shown in the picture. The winning district is the one with the best time.

By the way, Sienna's next palio race will be held August 16. Read more about it and check what else is coming next month with our August Festivals.

_{Picture of Aulla Palio Race by Martha Bakerjian © about.com}