*PALIO is the official publication launched in conjunction with the release of the award-winning film* The Palio, the famous bare-back horse race, is the most important event in Siena, taking place on July 2 and August 16 every year* Directed by Cosima Spender, written by John Hunt, and produced by James Gay-Rees, the producer or AMY"A compelling tale of Italian community, machismo, bribery and ambition." FinancialTimes The Greatest Story Never Told PALIO is a richly illustrated celebration of the legendary horse race which has united the people of Siena for centuries. Showcasing never before seen imagery from specially commissioned photography, together with epic film stills and rare archival images, PALIO is Italy in microcosm. This authoritative volume explains not only the civic ritualism and rich symbolism of this extraordinary event, but how "the game" is played both on and off the racetrack. For the "assassin" jockeys and the passionate Sienese - il Palio e vita - the Palio is life. PALIO is the official publication launched in conjunction with the release of award-winning film, PALIO, directed by Cosima Spender, written by John Hunt and Cosima Spender, and produced by John Hunt and James Gay-Rees. Contents: The Palio; Foreword; Introduction; An 800-Year Old Race; The Contrade; TheDrappellone; The Festival of the Palio; Countdown to the Race; The Day of theRace; Horses and Jockeys; Palio-inspired Culture; Facts and Figures.