Siena’s Palio postponed; rain is also forecast for Monday
A sudden downpour, which lasted about half an hour, caused the Palio di Siena to be postponed by one day.
The green flag has been hoisted above the triple-arched windows of the Palazzo Pubblico in Piazza del Campo, officially announcing that the ‘Carriera dell’Assunta’ on 16 August has been postponed due to adverse weather conditions. Rain began to fall on Piazza del Campo at around 2.00 pm, making it impossible to hold the Historical Procession and the Carriera, which will take place, weather permitting, at the same times tomorrow, Monday 17 August.
At 3.00 pm and 3.30 pm, the firecrackers will be set off to signal the first and second warnings; then, at 4.10 pm, the clearing of the track will begin to allow the Carabinieri mounted squadron to parade at 4.45 pm. Then, at 4.50 pm, the Historical Procession will enter Piazza del Campo. At 7.00 pm, the horses will leave the Cortile del Podestà for the Palio.
From 4 pm to 6 pm, access to the square will be permitted – up to the maximum permitted number – exclusively via Via Dupré.
The weather forecast for tomorrow, however, does not look particularly favourable. The Region of Tuscany has issued a yellow alert for the early afternoon of Monday 17 August, with the possibility of thunderstorms – some of which may be severe – over the northern provinces and, later in the afternoon, more scattered showers, which are more likely to affect the central and southern inland areas.
