Palio di Siena

Supporters of the Lupa (female wolf) parish shout as they leave Del Campo square with their horse held by Barbaresco Simone Perugini in preparation for the Palio horse race in Siena June 29, 2011. Every year on July 2 and August 16, almost without fail since the mid-1600s, 10 riders compete bareback around Siena's shell-shaped central square in a bid to win the Palio, a silk banner depicting the Madonna and child. REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi

Simone Perugini, Barbaresco of the Lupa, or female wolf parish leaves Del Campo square with his horse in preparation for the Palio horse race in Siena June 29, 2011. Every year on July 2 and August 16, almost without fail since the mid-1600s, 10 riders compete bareback around Siena's shell-shaped central square in a bid to win the Palio, a silk banner depicting the Madonna and child. REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi

Supporters of the Lupa, or a female wolf parish watch as their horse is washed in preparations for the Palio horse race in Siena June 29, 2011. Every year on July 2 and August 16, almost without fail since the mid-1600s, 10 riders compete bareback around Siena's shell-shaped central square in a bid to win the Palio, a silk banner depicting the Madonna and child. REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi

A man washes the horse of the Lupa, or female wolf parish after leaving Del Campo square in preparations for the Palio horse race in Siena June 29, 2011. Every year on July 2 and August 16, almost without fail since the mid-1600s, 10 riders compete bareback around Siena's shell-shaped central square in a bid to win the Palio, a silk banner depicting the Madonna and child. REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi

Tables show the respective horses and their parishes in preparation for the Palio horse race in Del Campo square in Siena June 29, 2011. Every year on July 2 and August 16, almost without fail since the mid-1600s, 10 riders compete bareback around Siena's shell-shaped central square in a bid to win the Palio, a silk banner depicting the Madonna and child. REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi

Andrea Mari, called Brio, jockey of Civetta (Owl) attends the first of six trial races in Del Campo square in preparation for the Palio horse race in Siena June 29, 2011. Every year on July 2 and August 16, almost without fail since the mid-1600s, 10 riders compete bareback around Siena's shell-shaped central square in a bid to win the Palio, a silk banner depicting the Madonna and child. REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi

Gigi Bruschelli (C), called Trecciolino, jockey of Pantera (panther), competes during the first of six trial races in Del Campo square in Siena June 29, 2011. Every year on July 2 and August 16, almost without fail since the mid-1600s, 10 riders compete bareback around Siena's shell-shaped central square in a bid to win the Palio, a silk banner depicting the Madonna and child. REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi

Jonathan Bartoletti, jockey of Valdimontone (Valley of the Ram), attends the first of six trial races in Del Campo square in Siena June 29, 2011. Every year on July 2 and August 16, almost without fail since the mid-1600s, 10 riders compete bareback around Siena's shell-shaped central square in a bid to win the Palio, a silk banner depicting the Madonna and child. REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi

Simone Perugini, Barbaresco of the Lupa, or female wolf parish, arrives in Del Campo square with his horse in Siena June 29, 2011. Every year on July 2 and August 16, almost without fail since the mid-1600s, 10 riders compete bareback around Siena's shell-shaped central square in a bid to win the Palio, a silk banner depicting the Madonna and child.
REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi

Giovanni Atzeni (L), called Tittia, jockey of Oca (Goose) and Jonathan Bartoletti (R), jockey of Valdimontone (Valley of the Ram), attend the first of six trial races in Del Campo square in Siena June 29, 2011. Every year on July 2 and August 16, almost without fail since the mid-1600s, 10 riders compete bareback around Siena's shell-shaped central square in a bid to win the Palio, a silk banner depicting the Madonna and child. REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi

Five of ten Barbaresco of the parish leave Del Campo square prior to start one of six trial races in Del Campo square in Siena June 29, 2011. Every year on July 2 and August 16, almost without fail since the mid-1600s, 10 riders compete bareback around Siena's shell-shaped central square in a bid to win the Palio, a silk banner depicting the Madonna and child. REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi

Ceramic souvenirs depicting the logos of 10 out of 17 parishes that will compete in the upcoming July 2 Palio race, are pictured in Del Campo square in Siena June 30, 2011. Every year on July 2 and August 16, almost without fail since the mid-1600s, 10 riders compete bareback around Siena's shell-shaped central square in a bid to win the Palio, a silk banner depicting the Madonna and child. The July 2 race is called the Palio of Assumption of Mary. REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi

A Tartuca or Tortoise jockey is escorted by his supporters at the end of the second of six trial races in Del Campo square in Siena June 30, 2011. Every year on July 2 and August 16, almost without fail since the mid-1600s, 10 riders compete bareback around Siena's shell-shaped central square in a bid to win the Palio, a silk banner depicting the Madonna and child. REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi

Supporters of the Chiocciola (Snail) parish shout as their Barbaresco leave Del Campo square with their horse at the end of the second of six trial races in Siena June 30, 2011. Every year on July 2 and August 16, almost without fail since the mid-1600s, 10 riders compete bareback around Siena's shell-shaped central square in a bid to win the Palio, a silk banner depicting the Madonna and child. REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi

Barbaresco, jockey of the Civetta (Little Owl) parish, leaves his headquarters as he leads his horse, ahead of the Palio race, in Siena June 30, 2011. Every year on July 2 and August 16, almost without fail since the mid-1600s, 10 riders compete bareback around Siena's shell-shaped central square in a bid to win the Palio, a silk banner depicting the Madonna and child. REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi (ITALY)

Gingillo, Bruco or Caterpillar jockey, competes in the second of six trial races in Siena Del Campo square with their horse in Siena June 30, 2011. Every year on July 2 and August 16, almost without fail since the mid-1600s, 10 riders compete bareback around Siena's shell-shaped central square in a bid to win the Palio, a silk banner depicting the Madonna and child. REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi

Vittorio, Lupa or a female wolf jockey, competes in the second of six trial races in Siena Del Campo square in Siena June 30, 2011. Every year on July 2 and August 16, almost without fail since the mid-1600s, 10 riders compete bareback around Siena's shell-shaped central square in a bid to win the Palio, a silk banner depicting the Madonna and child.
REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi

A street lamp is seen hanging on Tartuca (Tortoise) territory in Siena June 30, 2011. Every year on July 2 and August 16, almost without fail since the mid-1600s, 10 riders compete bareback around Siena's shell-shaped central square in a bid to win the Palio, a silk banner depicting the Madonna and child. REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi

Chairs is seen stored over a tribune in Del Campo square in Siena June 30, 2011. Every year on July 2 and August 16, almost without fail since the mid-1600s, 10 riders compete bareback around Siena's shell-shaped central square in a bid to win the Palio, a silk banner depicting the Madonna and child. REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi

A street lamp is seen hanging on Onda (Wave) territory in Siena June 30, 2011. Every year on July 2 and August 16, almost without fail since the mid-1600s, 10 riders compete bareback around Siena's shell-shaped central square in a bid to win the Palio, a silk banner depicting the Madonna and child. REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi

A street lamp is seen hanging next to a horse's statue on Civetta, or Little Owl, parish territory in Siena June 30, 2011. Every year on July 2 and August 16, almost without fail since the mid-1600s, 10 riders compete bareback around Siena's shell-shaped central square in a bid to win the Palio, a silk banner depicting the Madonna and child.
REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi

An aerial view of Del Campo square in Siena June 30, 2011. Every year on July 2 and August 16, almost without fail since the mid-1600s, 10 riders compete bareback around Siena's shell-shaped central square in a bid to win the Palio, a silk banner depicting the Madonna and child. REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi

An view of Del Campo square and the bell tower Torre del Mangia, in Siena June 30, 2011. Every year on July 2 and August 16, almost without fail since the mid-1600s, 10 riders compete bareback around Siena's shell-shaped central square in a bid to win the Palio, a silk banner depicting the Madonna and child. REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi

Supporters of Istrice (Crested Porcupine) chat as they attend the second of six trial races in Siena Del Campo square in Siena June 30, 2011. Every year on July 2 and August 16, almost without fail since the mid-1600s, 10 riders compete bareback around Siena's shell-shaped central square in a bid to win the Palio, a silk banner depicting the Madonna and child. REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi

A street lamp is seen hanging on Chiocciola (Snail) territory in Siena June 30, 2011. Every year on July 2 and August 16, almost without fail since the mid-1600s, 10 riders compete bareback around Siena's shell-shaped central square in a bid to win the Palio, a silk banner depicting the Madonna and child. REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi

Jockey Giovanni Atzeni of Oca (Goose) parish falls from his horse Mississippi, during a trial race at Del Campo square in Siena July 1, 2011. Almost every year without fail since the mid-1600s, 10 riders will compete bareback on July 2 and August 16, around Siena's shell-shaped central square in a bid to win the Palio, a silk banner depicting the Madonna and child. REUTERS/Augusto Mattioli

Jockey Giovanni Atzeni (R) of Oca (Goose) parish falls from his horse Mississippi, during a trial race at Del Campo square in Siena July 1, 2011. Almost every year without fail since the mid-1600s, 10 riders will compete bareback on July 2 and August 16, around Siena's shell-shaped central square in a bid to win the Palio, a silk banner depicting the Madonna and child. REUTERS/Augusto Mattioli

A horse of the Lupa, or a female wolf, parish is lead by the Barbaresco at the end of their trial races in Siena Del Campo square in Siena July 1, 2011. Every year on July 2 and August 16, almost without fail since the mid-1600s, 10 riders compete bareback around Siena's shell-shaped central square in a bid to win the Palio, a silk banner depicting the Madonna and child. REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi

The horse, named Messi (R), of Chiocciola (snail) parish, is cared for by the Barbaresco before the trial races in Siena Del Campo square in Siena June 30, 2011. Messi, the horse, died on July 1during the trial race in an accident. Every year on July 2 and August 16, almost without fail since the mid-1600s, 10 riders compete bareback around Siena's shell-shaped central square in a bid to win the Palio, a silk banner depicting the Madonna and child. Picture taken 30 June 2011. REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi

A dinner is held the night before the Siena's famous Palio horse race in the parish of Civetta (Little Owl), July 1, 2011. Every year on July 2 and August 16, almost without fail since the mid-1600s, 10 riders compete bareback around Siena's shell-shaped central square in a bid to win the Palio, a silk banner depicting the Madonna and child.
REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi

A dinner is held the night before the Siena's famous Palio horse race in the parish of Civetta (Little Owl), July 1, 2011. Every year on July 2 and August 16, almost without fail since the mid-1600s, 10 riders compete bareback around Siena's shell-shaped central square in a bid to win the Palio, a silk banner depicting the Madonna and child.
REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi

Jockey Giovanni Atzeni (L) of the Oca (Goose) parish passes as jockey Giuseppe Zedde of Bruco (Caterpillar), falls from his horse during the Palio horse race in Siena July 2, 2011. Jockey Atzeni of the Oca parish won the Palio horse race. Every year on July 2 and August 16, almost without fail since the mid-1600s, 10 riders compete bareback around Siena's shell-shaped central square in a bid to win the Palio, a silk banner depicting the Madonna and child. REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi

Jockey Giuseppe Zedde of Bruco (caterpillar) parish, falls from his horse during the Palio horse race in Siena July 2, 2011. Jockey Atzeni of the Oca parish won the Palio horse race. Every year on July 2 and August 16, almost without fail since the mid-1600s, 10 riders compete bareback around Siena's shell-shaped central square in a bid to win the Palio, a silk banner depicting the Madonna and child. REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi

Jockey Giuseppe Zedde (R) of Bruco (caterpillar) parish, is rescued after falling from his horse during the Palio horse race in Siena July 2, 2011. Jockey Atzeni of the Oca parish won the Palio horse race. Every year on July 2 and August 16, almost without fail since the mid-1600s, 10 riders compete bareback around Siena's shell-shaped central square in a bid to win the Palio, a silk banner depicting the Madonna and child. REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi

Jockey Giovanni Atzeni of the Oca (Goose) parish is celebrated by his supporters after winning the Palio horse race in Siena July 2, 2011. Every year on July 2 and August 16, almost without fail since the mid-1600s, 10 riders compete bareback around Siena's shell-shaped central square in a bid to win the Palio, a silk banner depicting the Madonna and child. REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi

Oca (Goose) parish supporters celebrate after winning the Palio horse race in Siena July 2, 2011. Every year on July 2 and August 16, almost without fail since the mid-1600s, 10 riders compete bareback around Siena's shell-shaped central square in a bid to win the Palio, a silk banner depicting the Madonna and child. REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi

Jockey Giovanni Atzeni (R) of the Oca (Goose) parish kisses a cross as Atzeni and his horse, Mississipi, before taking part in the Palio horse race in Siena July 2, 2011. Every year on July 2 and August 16, almost without fail since the mid-1600s, 10 riders compete bareback around Siena's shell-shaped central square in a bid to win the Palio, a silk banner depicting the Madonna and child. REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi

Mississipi, a horse belonging to jockey Giovanni Atzeni (R) of the Oca (Goose) parish, is blessed by a priest before taking part in the Palio horse race in Siena July 2, 2011. Every year on July 2 and August 16, almost without fail since the mid-1600s, 10 riders compete bareback around Siena's shell-shaped central square in a bid to win the Palio, a silk banner depicting the Madonna and child. REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi

A horse is prepared for the parade in the Oca (Goose) parish before the Palio horse race in Siena July 2, 2011. Every year on July 2 and August 16, almost without fail since the mid-1600s, 10 riders compete bareback around Siena's shell-shaped central square in a bid to win the Palio, a silk banner depicting the Madonna and child.
REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi