Siena Prepares For Annual Palio Horserace

SIENA, ITALY - JULY 1:: Contradaioli, supporters of one of the ten Siena districts cheer on the evening following the "Palio of Siena" at the Piazza del Campo, July 1, 2006 in Siena, Italy. The annual horse race and pageant which began in the 11th century to pay homage to the Madonna, pits the 17 ancient districts or the "contrades" of Siena, located about 112 miles northwest of Rome, against each other for the victory banner. (Photo by Franco Origlia/Getty Images)