Music, dance and processionEurope
March of the Palio
In its own language: Marcia del Palio
The brass anthem played during the historical parade before Siena's horse race.
The March of the Palio is a fanfare that accompanies the Corteo Storico, a historical costume parade preceding the Palio di Siena. Composed in 1880, it serves as an unofficial city anthem for Siena, Italy, played by municipal musicians to mark the procession through the streets.
When is March of the Palio kept?
March of the Palio is kept on 2 July during the Palio di Siena.
This brass march is the musical heartbeat of Siena’s most famous festival. It plays while district representatives parade in period dress before the horse race. The tune unites the city in pride and anticipation, marking the solemn start of the event with trumpets and drums.
Origins and history
Pietro Formichi wrote this piece in 1880 for the local municipal band. He conducted the group alongside a music school annex. The original score was purely instrumental, designed for brass fanfares in two-four time. Poet Idilio dell'Era later added lyrics, which Bruno Ancilli revised. The march debuted on 2 July 1885 during the historical parade. Since then, it has become deeply embedded in Sienese culture. Citizens now sing it at local football and basketball matches alongside another song.
How it is kept
Musicians from the Palazzo Pubblico perform the march during the Corteo Storico. They follow the Macemen and the standard bearer of the gonfalon. The ensemble includes drummers, trumpeters, and brass players. As the procession moves between stops, the band plays the reel known as Diana's pattern. Meanwhile, silver clarions sound blasts from the Municipality. These sounds accompany the Carroccio, a tradition dating back to 1904 and created by Salvatore Giaretta. The music fills Piazza del Campo and the city streets.
Symbolism and meaning
The march represents civic pride and historical continuity for Siena. It bridges the gap between the medieval past and modern celebration. The brass instruments evoke the sound of ancient warfare and ceremonial processions. By playing during the parade, the music honors the districts and their heritage. It signals the transition from ordinary life to the sacred time of the Palio. The anthem status shows how the community claims this music as its own identity marker.
How March of the Palio is kept
Municipal musicians play the march while following the historical parade. The group consists of drummers, trumpeters, and brass players. They move from the Prefecture to Casato street behind the standard bearer. Silver clarions add blasts for the Carrochio. The music sets the pace for the district representatives parading in costume.
When and where
It is played on 2 July during the Palio di Siena. The performance occurs specifically during the Corteo Storico procession. The date marks the annual festival event.
The custom belongs to Siena, Italy. It is performed in Piazza del Campo and along the city streets. The main site is the route from the Prefecture to Casato street.
What March of the Palio means
The march symbolizes Sienese civic identity and historical memory. It connects the present celebration to centuries of tradition. The brass sound evokes authority and ceremony. It marks the sacred space of the festival and unites the community in shared pride.
Who takes part
- Pietro Formichi: Composed the original music in 1880
- Idilio dell'Era: Wrote the original lyrics
- Bruno Ancilli: Revised the lyrics
- Salvatore Giaretta: Created the Carroccio trumpet blasts in 1904
- Palazzo Pubblico musicians: Perform the march during the parade
If you are a guest
Guests watch the procession from the streets or Piazza del Campo. They listen to the brass fanfare as the bands pass. The music creates a festive atmosphere for spectators. Visitors may hear the tune sung at other local sports events throughout the year.
Then and now
The march remains central to the Palio di Siena. It is also performed at local football and basketball games. The tune functions as a general city anthem beyond just the festival dates.
On the wedding table
Symbols: Gold and jewellery
Questions people ask about March of the Palio
When is March of the Palio kept?
March of the Palio is kept on 2 July during the Palio di Siena.
What is the March of the Palio?
It is a brass fanfare composed in 1880. It accompanies the historical costume parade before the horse race in Siena, Italy.
Who performs the music?
Musicians from the Palazzo Pubblico play the march. The ensemble includes drummers, trumpeters, and brass players following the parade leaders.
Is it only for the Palio?
No. The tune has become a city anthem. Locals also sing it at football and basketball matches alongside another traditional song.
See also
EpithalamiumA poem or song written to celebrate a bride as she goes to her wedding chamber.
Weddings in ancient RomeThe religious ceremonies and attire that marked a union in the city of Rome before the rise of Christianity.
DirndlThe bodice, skirt and apron dress worn by brides in the German-speaking Alps.Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "March of the Palio", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryShaadi rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. Wedding customs differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-06.
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