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Palio Trivia Quiz

The Palio is a unique horse race, which has been performed since the middle ages in Italy. This sporting festival should be experienced at least once in life. Failing that, try this quiz!

A multiple-choice quiz by pavr. Estimated time: 4 mins.

Author
pavr

Time
4 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
164,137

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Tough

Avg Score
5 / 10

Plays
328

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. In which city is the Palio held in 2003? Hint

Pisa

Florence

Siena

Livorno

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Question 2 of 10

2. What is the 'Palio'? Hint

A Banner

A Medal

A Trophy

A Pot

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Question 3 of 10

3. The teams or 'Contrade' are 17 in number, but what do they represent? Hint

Ancient families

Professions

Mafia groups

Districts

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Question 4 of 10

4. Of the 17, how many actually compete in each race? Hint

NEXT>

Question 5 of 10

5. In what position must you finish in order to 'lose' the race? Hint

First

Second

Last

There is no loser

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Question 6 of 10

6. How are the horses allocated to each Contrada? Hint

Each team owns horses

By auction

By lot

By rotation

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Question 7 of 10

7. Approximately how long does the race last? Hint

40 seconds

75 seconds

3.5 minutes

4 minutes

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Question 8 of 10

8. Behind the colourful facade, lies an aggressive competitive race. What are teams allowed to do in order to win? Hint

Whip rival horses and jockeys

Attempt to switch horses

Dope rival horses

All of the above

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Question 9 of 10

9. In which century is the first Palio race recorded to have taken place? Hint

1300s

1500s

1400s

1200s

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Question 10 of 10

10. Which Contrada is the most successful since 1900, with 20 victories in total? Hint

Oca

Nicchio

Drago

Selva

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. In which city is the Palio held in 2003?

Answer: Siena

Palio races were originally held in other Italian cities, such as Padua, Verona and Bologna, but the Siena classic remains.

2. What is the 'Palio'?

Answer: A Banner

A selected artist produces a work of art in the form of a large silk banner, which is paraded for all too see as part of the spectacle.

3. The teams or 'Contrade' are 17 in number, but what do they represent?

Answer: Districts

There are 17 disticts of the city of Siena, which traditionally have arch enemies for example, Tartuca and Chiocciola.

4. Of the 17, how many actually compete in each race?

Answer: 10

Due to lack of track space, only 10 make the final race.

5. In what position must you finish in order to 'lose' the race?

Answer: Second

The arcane rules of the race provide that the winner is the horse who crosses the line first, taking the Palio, while he in second place 'loses' and disgraces himself.

6. How are the horses allocated to each Contrada?

Answer: By lot

The true element of chance in proceedings is provided by the allocation of the horses each time. A draw matches horses with Contrade, some of which are known to be stronger than others.

7. Approximately how long does the race last?

Answer: 75 seconds

A short race, a few circuits of the main Siena square, giving little time for strong horses to make up ground for a poor start.

8. Behind the colourful facade, lies an aggressive competitive race. What are teams allowed to do in order to win?

Answer: Whip rival horses and jockeys

It is a rough and decietful race, in which deals are made and broken between jockeys as they jostle for position at the start, and riders are forced off their mounts as they race.

9. In which century is the first Palio race recorded to have taken place?

Answer: 1200s

The first race is recorded to have taken place in 1238.

10. Which Contrada is the most successful since 1900, with 20 victories in total?

Answer: Oca

Oca = Goose. The least successful Contrade in the 20th century were Torre and Bruco (Tower and Caterpillar).

Source: Author pavr

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor Nightmare before going online.
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