Unity in Diversity: The Palio of Siena as Civil Religion

The Palio of Siena is identified as the principal modern expression of Sienese civil religion, encapsulating the city's historic memory and distinctive civilization. This festival, occurring twice annually, uniquely blends variety with sameness, change with continuity, serving as both a psychological and topographical center for Siena. Following the fall of the independent Sienese Republic in 1555, the Campo became a focal point for introspective self-consciousness, reflecting the city's enduring cultural identity.

(Ed.). (2017). Unity in Diversity: The Palio of Siena as Civil Religion. Siena, Civil Religion and the Sienese, 131–164. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315243139-6