Crowds gather early to get a seat for the Palio dei Somari, the donkey race. With all the pomp and pageantry it is easy to forget that the donkey race is the reason for the event.
We took our place in the stands and tried to keep warm in the freezing wind that refused to go away. The sun appeared from behind clouds occasionally, but the wind made sure the temperature stayed low.
The costumed participants marched in to loud cheers.
Then the donkeys arrived.
A group of children stepped onto the stage and the draw for the donkeys was held. Each donkey was allotted to a team and the coloured rosettes were attached.
One donkey decided it might be lunch.
The heats began. Two donkeys and their riders had to run 3 times around the course.
Donkeys don’t always do as they are expected. They stop if they feel like it, turn around and go inthe opposite direction or throw their rider off. It all makes for a fun spectacle.
After the heats the winners of the best tamburini (drummers) and sbandieratori (flag throwers) were announced. We think that last year’s winners were on the stage to present the awards for this year. It was not always easy to follow everything as the sound was not good and my Italian is not good enough to catch everything.
There was great excitement when the winners of the flag throwing were announced. The green team won. The young woman who was part of the team was thrilled.
Then there was another race with all of the donkeys. After 3 false starts they were off and running.
I have no idea who won. Somehow it doesn’t really matter, just being there and being part of the event is fun.