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Contrada Life, the historic center of Siena.

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Siena in Tuscany in central Italy was a rich medieval city-state

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with a thriving finance industry.

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It is known for its main central square, the Piazza del Campo,

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which is fan-shaped or shell-shaped and lined with rows of medieval houses.

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The city is divided into 17 districts called Contrada.

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Each has its own church and community hall.

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The Contrada local communities date back to the medieval period.

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Community members are closely bound and compete against rival communities.

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Each Contrada is identified by an emblem.

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This is the Tower Contrada.

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Today they are carrying out a secular baptism ceremony

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to accept babies as members.

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Here they are hosting a large dinner party

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with residents and former residents of the Contrada.

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It is part of their celebrations on the night before a very important event.

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On the following day, Piazza del Campo is filled with 75,000 spectators.

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An intercontrada called the Palio, a horse race, will take place.

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The Palio started in the 17th century and continues to this day.

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People compete against each other for the communal pride of their Contrada.

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Having run three times around the square,

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the caterpillar horse is leading the pack and finishes.

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The winner only gets a banner as a prize.

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But the banner brings great honour to the Contrada people who win.

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Each Contrada has its own patron saint.

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On their patron saint's day, people offer prayers in church

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and then community representatives are invited to participate.

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On their patron saint's day, people offer prayers in church

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and then community representatives visit the graveyard.

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People who have dedicated their lives to the Contrada rest here.

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The Contrada lives for the citizens of Siena as they rejoice, sing and cry together.

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