Performers in medieval costume parade through the streets at the Palio di Asti, an Italian festival dating back to the 13th century that culminates in a bareback horse race.
Banging the drum —
Performers in medieval costume parade through the streets at the Palio di Asti, an Italian festival dating back to the 13th century that culminates in a bareback horse race.
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A horse and jockey are blessed outside Asti Cathedral ahead of the 2016 Palio on September 18.
Count your blessings —
A horse and jockey are blessed outside Asti Cathedral ahead of the 2016 Palio on September 18.
Justin Setterfield/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Riders representing the different districts of Asti compete in the oldest recorded bareback horse race in Italy.
Pride at stake —
Riders representing the different districts of Asti compete in the oldest recorded bareback horse race in Italy.
Justin Setterfield/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
The first recorded staging of the race was in 1275.
Corner kicks —
The first recorded staging of the race was in 1275.
Justin Setterfield/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
It takes place in Asti's Piazza Alfieri.
And they're off! —
It takes place in Asti's Piazza Alfieri.
Justin Setterfield/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
The Palio also includes a parade and a flag-throwing contest involving more than 1,200 people in medieval costume.
Can't see him for dust —
The Palio also includes a parade and a flag-throwing contest involving more than 1,200 people in medieval costume.
Justin Setterfield/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
After a 30-year hiatus, the race was resurrected in 1967.
After a 30-year hiatus, the race was resurrected in 1967.
Justin Setterfield/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
It was switched to September, having been held in March and May in earlier eras.
Out of the blue —
It was switched to September, having been held in March and May in earlier eras.
Justin Setterfield/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Giovanni Atzeni, riding for the district of Nizza, celebrates as he wins the 2016 Palio di Asti.
Winning feeling —
Giovanni Atzeni, riding for the district of Nizza, celebrates as he wins the 2016 Palio di Asti.
Justin Setterfield/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Atzeni gets a hug after his triumph.
Celebration time —
Atzeni gets a hug after his triumph.
Justin Setterfield/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images