It is said that the first Palio was run in memory of the famous battle of Montaperti. Today the horse race has become, without doubt, Italy's most important historic event. The Palio is contested between the various contrada of Siena and is held twice a year. The Palio di Provenzano (in honour of the Madonna of Provenzano) is run on July 2nd . The Palio dell'Assunta is celebrated on August 16th.