Getting Medieval

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The elaborately costumed men who march in the pre-Palio parade represent figures from Siena’s medieval history. Photograph by Sheila Gibson Stoodley.

The elaborately costumed men who march in the pre-Palio parade represent figures from Siena’s medieval history. Photograph by Sheila Gibson Stoodley.
Competitors literally jockey for position before the race starts.

Image Credit: Photograph by Sheila Gibson Stoodley.

Competitors literally jockey for position before the race starts.
The Panther jockey (left) won in July despite the Eagle jockey’s attempt to slow his horse.

Image Credit: Photograph by AP Photo/Fabio Muzzi.

The Panther jockey (left) won in July despite the Eagle jockey’s attempt to slow his horse.
Andrea Mari, also known as Brio, and his horse, Choci, glory in their Palio victory.

Image Credit: Photograph by AP Photo/Fabio Muzzi.

Andrea Mari, also known as Brio, and his horse, Choci, glory in their Palio victory.
Youths practice drumming and flag skills from boyhood in hopes that they will be chosen to represent their contrada in the pre-Palio parade.

Image Credit: Photograph by Sheila Gibson Stoodley.

Youths practice drumming and flag skills from boyhood in hopes that they will be chosen to represent their contrada in the pre-Palio parade.

The elaborately costumed men who march in the pre-Palio parade represent figures from Siena’s medieval history. Photograph by Sheila Gibson Stoodley.