PALIO ENGLISH VERSION / Useful tips for the Palio. A few rules to follow and respect

A stronger Carabinieri and Polizia presence

Police at work during the Palio

Police at work during the Palio

Siena, 30th june 2015 - IF YOU are lucky enough to find yourself in Siena during the Palio you’re in for an amazing experience. The Palio is a special event but can be very crowded and also quite hot so here are a few tips to get the most out of your stay and to best enjoy the race.

Drinks in glass and/or metal containers should not be not brought in to the main square as only plastic and cartons are allowed. Please do not throw objects or disturb the race in any way and remember to wait until the race has finished completely before entering the track. It is also forbidden to enter the square with chairs, stools, tables, benches, prams or pushchairs for practical reasons.

The Siena police station is set up and ready to go as we approach the Provenzano Palio which will be held on the 2nd of July. Following a meeting on public safety, all of the appropriate measures have been put in place for Thursday’s race. In order to guarantee safety throughout the event there will be an added presence of officers, both in uniform and in plainclothes.

Security has been increased in areas surrounding the contradas taking part in Thursday’s race.

This year the Palio will see many rival Contradas face each other and particular attention is being paid to areas where rival Contradas like Nicchio/Valdimontone, Civetta/Leocorno and Onda/Torre/Oca border each other.

 

AS ALWAYS there will be officers with police-dogs and explosives experts whose job is to ensure safety and complete the final checks before the race. There will be officers present at all of the city’s main access points and at all of the entrances to the main square and there will be added surveillance to monitor any misbehaviour before, during and after the event. Not only will the local police force be involved but also Carabinieri, Guardia di Finanza and Corpo Forestale dello Stato will be present to guarantee security. All the different divisions will be coordinated from a special office on top of the “Torre del Mangia”, the tower in “Piazza del Campo”.

For public safety and to make sure that the race begins on time the streets leading to “Il Campo” will start to close at 18:45 and by 19:00 all entrances to the main square will be completely closed off. We hope that you enjoy this memorable experience and that you find these tips useful.