Historical race
, August 17, 2013
The "Cencio" is carried during a historical parade before the Palio of Siena horse race on August 16. 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/Stefano Rellandini