Palio dell'Assunta, Siena

Ten stallions and their riders roar around the Piazza del Campo in a terrifying, hair-raising display of equestrian ability in Italy's most famous horse race. The Palio takes place twice a year, and has done so since 1644. In each race, a horse and racer address ten of the city's 17 contrade, or areas, with the chosen contrade changing each year. The effervescent outdoor suppers each Contrada hangs on the night before the race are another fantastic Palio tradition.