Dating back to the 12 century, the Palio is an anything goes horse race that ensues twice yearly at Piazza del Campao, the city center of Sienna, Italy. The city is divided into 17 districts, or ‘comrades’, each represented by a horse and jockey that race without saddle at neck-breaking speeds.

Above all else, the Sienese are relentlessly loyal to their district. Fierce rivalries exist between neighbors, yet all Sienese are united by their year round passion to win. The 700 year old tradition is a vital part of the culture, and the results of which may appear on the surface to be just a 90 second horse race, has a lasting impact of glory or despair for those who live there.