Many people believe that the canopy is a horse race. A canopy is actually a banner or cloth appreciated by the winner of a competition. A pallium is generally won in a race or contest, often a horse race, as in the famous Palio of Siena.
The most famous breed
The Palio de Siena competition is held on July 2 and August 16 of each year. In the first race, 10 of the 17 contrade , districts, compete. Each district has its own rider and a randomly assigned horse. In August, the other 7 contrade race together with 3 from the first race. Riders race inside Siena’s central square, the Piazza del Campo . The actual race lasts only about 90 seconds, but it is very dangerous and exciting.
Although the Siena race may be the most famous, many cities in Italy organize races or contests between their districts. The winning district keeps the canopy until the next contest. One of the oldest pallium horse races takes place in Ferrara and includes parades and flag-throwing contests over several weekends, culminating in the horse race for the pallium. Another of the oldest is the Palio di San Rocco in Figline Valdarno , which is said to be one of the first palio competitions in Tuscany. Palio contests include five days of medieval competition with jousting, archery and a horse race during the first week of September.
Horse races are common, but the race can also be a foot race, donkey race, boat race, or wagon race. Some palio races and contests are even more unusual, such as the palio della rana , or frog race, held in Fermignano, in the central Marche region, in April. Near the sea you will find rowing competitions such as the Palio del Golfo , a rowing race between the 13 maritime villages that border the Bay of La Spezia, which was held on the first Sunday of August in La Spezia.
