Italy’s Il Palio

Fans of the Kentucky Derby will be delighted to partake in Italy’s answer to the world’s most famous horse race — Siena Palio. Held twice a year, July 2 and Aug. 16, the race marks one of the most festive and unique sporting events in the country.

The race is located in Siena where, on July 2, 10 of the city’s 17 districts offer a horse up for bareback racing through a course in the Piazza del Campo. On Aug. 16, the second race brings together the remaining seven districts’ competitors along with three randomly chosen horses from the previous race.

Siena’s Palio is an enormous source of pride and competition in Italy with roughly 40,000 locals and 20,000 visitors flocking to the region. Husbands and wives often bid against one another for fun and the days leading up to the event are a treat. Head in a few days beforehand to explore and take in the festivities, including the open-air dinners held by each district. Tables as long as the main streets are brought out into the street to allow everyone to celebrate and eat together as one extremely large family.

Grabbing a seat for the actual race can be a challenge, so show up early. If you’re trying to get a free spot you’ll want to arrive at daybreak, otherwise you’ll have to pay way ahead for a ticket that’ll run anywhere between $200–400.

Though tourists enjoy the race, it’s mostly considered a local cultural affair and the local tourism board is not allowed to promote it.