The edition of the Palio di Siena on 2 July 2026, dedicated to the Madonna of Provenzano, depends on the weather forecast: in the last few hours the risk of rain and storms has fueled uncertainty about the holding of the historic horse race in Piazza del Campo, scheduled for the afternoon. Contending for the victory will be 7 jockeys originally from Sardinia and 9 horses from Sardinian breeding farms.
Due to the yellow weather alert, the Provaccia, the last test before the Palio, was cancelled. But if today for many enthusiasts the attention is focused on the weather, for many the real question is another: does it still make sense, in 2026, to continue using animals in a competition that has divided public opinion for years?
A tradition that has its roots in the seventeenth century
The Palio di Siena is one of the most famous historical events in Italy. In its current form it dates back to the 17th century and sees ten of the seventeen city districts compete in a horse race that takes place twice a year, on 2 July and 16 August, along the Piazza del Campo ring. For the inhabitants of the Tuscan city it represents much more than a race: it is an element of identity, a cultural heritage that intertwines history, religion, territorial belonging and community life. The districts are real social communities that mark a large part of city life.
Yet, the historical value of a tradition does not automatically make it immune to criticism. Just because a practice is ancient does not mean that it should be exempt from any ethical evaluation. In recent decades, many traditions that exploited animals have been adapted or abandoned precisely because they were considered incompatible with greater attention to their well-being.
Criticism from animal rights associations
For years, animal rights associations have been asking to overcome the Palio or to radically transform it. The criticisms mainly concern the safety of the horses, forced to run at high speed on a track characterized by very tight curves and a strong competitive component. Throughout the history of the event there has been no shortage of accidents, falls and in some cases even the death of the animals involved. Precisely these episodes have fueled the campaigns of organizations such as LAV and other associations involved in the protection of animals, which denounce what they consider to be exploitation incompatible with contemporary sensitivity.
Today the slopes and blind corners of curves such as San Martino and Casato, together with the four days of forced confinement in the stables of the centre, the reality from the point of view of the horses is made only of stress and risks. – comment the activists of HPI Italian Horse Protection, who went to Siena in recent days to stimulate citizens to reflect – Siena has an extraordinary and welcoming community. And precisely because traditions evolve, it is time to imagine a modern Palio. A great party for people, without the exploitation of animals.
The point is not just the number of accidents. The problem is broader: using animals for a spectacular competition intended for human entertainment. Even in the presence of veterinary checks and safety measures, they argue, the horse remains a subject who cannot choose to participate and who is exposed to conditions of strong physical and psychological pressure.
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A tradition to be revisited
The possible threat of rain on the 2026 Palio could only be a temporary unexpected event. The forecasts remain evolving and the race could still take place regularly. However, a question destined to return cyclically in the public debate remains open: can a centuries-old tradition continue unchanged when it involves the use and exposure of animals to risk?
For many the answer is yes, in the name of history and cultural identity. For others, however, the Palio represents a tradition that should be profoundly rethought or overcome, because respect for animals cannot stop at the call of custom. The challenge of the future could be precisely this: finding a balance between historical memory and new ethical values, without considering what belongs to the past untouchable just because it belongs to the past. Yet there is no shortage of virtuous examples in our country. One of the most striking is undoubtedly the so-called Bravìo, which takes place in Montepulciano in August: here the horse race has been replaced by the uphill wine barrel race.
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In short, change is possible, without completely giving up a tradition. You just have to want it.
