Istice contrada, Siena

The istice (hedgehog or porcupine) contrada is one of Siena's 17 contrade or neighborhoods. From July 2 and August 16, Siena is where the famous Palio horse race takes place. It is a well known fact that Italians feel more attached to their towns and cities than Italy on a whole, but in Siena this goes even farther: everyone for their contrada. I haven't ever seen the palio in Siena or Asti because I hate huge crowds of people pushing each other, but supposedly it is an event not to miss.

Tags: palio, contrada, siena, horse race, istice, porcupine