While in Italy last month, I had a chance to visit Siena in Tuscany where they hold the annual Palio horse race around the historical city square. Although I missed the actual race in August by 2 weeks, after actually seeing the video, I hope
never to see it - a barbaric event, IMO, though I'm sure full of excitement - for the people that is.
I preferred a nice pizza and beer overlooking the same, though quieter city square
Palio Race, Siena - August 2012 (around the exact same city square)