Palio of Siena

One of the greatest heraldic pageants in the world takes place in Siena on July 2nd and August 16th each year with a wild horse-race round the city's main square - the Campo. Siena is split into 17 contrade each with its own livery and symbol. Ten of the contrade take part in each race - this year (2014) the winner was the "Drago" (the dragon). The race is preceded by a pageant in which the heraldry is displayed.