you think the SEC has passion? sheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeit

Siena is a medieval walled city in Tuscany, with a population of about 50,000. The town is divided into 17 "contrade" which is basically "neighborhoods"

twice each summer, they have a horse race in the town square, with a rider representing 10 of the 17 contrade (the 7 that didn't get to race last time, plus 3 that are selected via a drawing). It's free, but it's general admission, so we had to get there like 4 hours early and stand around in 102 degree heat until it started. There's also a two hour parade before the race, featuring delegations from each neighborhood, all in medieval dress. Trumpets, drums, flutes, flags, all that shit.

They've been doing this race twice a year for over SIX HUNDRED YEARS. Needless to say, it gets intense. The winning neighborhood parties all night long, marching through the streets with drummers and flutes, singing songs and carrying the Palio (flag/banner).

We didn't even have a hotel room, we just partied all night and then took turns sleeping right in the square.

fucking unbelievable. Here's a youtube clip of the race we attended. we're in the throng in the middle of the track somewhere.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9cTrTPbH8s

it was also in the opening scene of the last Bond movie (Quantum of Solace)