The Valdimontone contrada, with jockey Giuseppe Zedde, known as Gingillo, on horseback, Anda e Bola, won the Palio di Siena dedicated to the Madonna Assunta tonight.

The two editions of the Palio have concluded in Siena, a city that preserves its medieval atmosphere. For days, the competition between 17 different contrade (neighbourhoods) transformed the entire town into a festival zone, starting from the alleys. Finally, Valdimontone was crowned this year’s winner in Piazza Campo, located at the foot of Siena Castle.

The Valdimontone contrada, with jockey Giuseppe Zedde, known as Gingillo, on horse Anda and Bola, won the Palio di Siena dedicated to the Madonna Assunta tonight, holding the lead for the three laps of Piazza del Campo from the start, where he immediately took the lead with a powerful surge.

The Valdimontone contrada, with jockey Giuseppe Zedde, known as Gingillo, on horse Anda and Bola, won the Palio di Siena dedicated to the Madonna Assunta tonight, holding the lead for the three laps of Piazza del Campo from the start, where he immediately took the lead with a powerful surge. Pantera and Leocorno followed Valdimontone throughout the race, then Zedde had the opportunity at the final Casato to keep Anda and Bola in the lead, fending off a dangerous attempt by Tittia on Diodoro, allowing Leocorno to overtake him on the final bend.

The Contrada’s History

Valdimontone hadn’t won the Palio since August 16, 2012, when the contrada triumphed with Jonathan Bartoletti, known as Scompiglio, on Lo Specialista. In the century-long history of the Palio, the contrada has now totalled 45 victories. Forty-three-year-old Zedde has run in a total of 34 Palios, winning four of them.

Madonna was among the spectators.

Madonna was among the spectators at the Palio dell’Assunta, scheduled to take place. The queen of pop watched the Carriera from a window of Palazzo Pannocchieschi d’Elci.

Madonna, born in Bay City, USA, on August 16, 1958, turns 67 today and will celebrate her birthday not only by watching the Palio but also with an exclusive, intimate party at the Grand Hotel Continental.

The famous Palio di Siena, held annually in the Piazza del Campo in Siena, Italy, on July 2nd and August 16th, and dating back to the 12th century, has concluded.

The houses, buildings, and cafés surrounding the Piazza del Campo were adorned days in advance of the race. The excitement of watching the race from a balcony for thousands of euros continued until the last moment. The notables of each neighbourhood, with their elegant suits, bodyguards, and chauffeured cars, put on a show of strength. This wasn’t just a race; it was a symbol of pride for them. It’s an essential ritual that symbolises community spirit, cooperation, unity, and strength. That’s why we’re starting work on it not just in July and August, but now, throughout the coming year. If you come to Italy next year, we look forward to seeing you.