The Palio dell'Assunta is scheduled to take place today in Siena, according to Adnkronos. The historic horse race will see ten of the city's seventeen contrade compete, with jockeys and their mounts facing off in the traditional event.
The race, which honors the Feast of the Assumption, is the second Palio of the year in Siena. Adnkronos reports that the event has a set start time and will be broadcast on television for those unable to attend in person. The specific details on the schedule, participating horses, and jockeys were outlined in the outlet's preview of the race.
Ahead of the main event, the contrada dell'Oca won the general rehearsal, known as the prova generale, according to ANSA. That trial run took place in the days leading up to the Assunta race and offered an early indication of form among the competing pairs of horses and riders.
Among the jockeys to watch is Tittia, who is seeking his thirteenth career victory in the Palio, as reported by La Nuova Sardegna. The jockey's pursuit of another win adds a notable storyline to Tuesday's race. Local outlet Siena Free also published a final assessment of the horse-jockey pairings ahead of the event, offering a preview of how the ten contrade might fare.
Public safety preparations were also part of the lead-up. A provincial committee for public order and security met on August 16, according to the Prefectures' portal, to coordinate measures for the event.
The Palio dell'Assunta is set to run later today, with the outcome determining which contrada will claim the coveted banner. The race follows the traditional pageantry and ceremony that accompany each Palio in Siena's Piazza del Campo.
