The August 16 Palio — known as the Palio dell’Assunta or Palio of the Assumption — actually begins early in the morning in Siena when each contrada (city ward) starts preparing for the race. Events include including pre-race flag-throwing and parades in each ward, and the mounting of the jockeys etc.

The actual race begins at 7 p.m. (Italian time) when the Palio — a tapestry that becomes the winner’s trophy — is displayed above the Piazza del Campo where the race is run.

That will be 12 p.m. noon, Friday, August 16, in Texas.

If you are as Palio-crazy as we are, follow the live video stream of the race at SienaTV here.