Here are a few more pictures from the Palio; these photos were all taken near the Duomo both before and after the race. Some come from the procession before and others from the celebration at the Duomo after. I wasn't able to get many good shots because of the crowds (and being smashed up against a wall during the procession) but hopefully you at least get an idea of the atmosphere.

The Civetta (owl) drummer boy.

The Bruco flag with the Duomo in the background. Each contrada parades to the Duomo and does flag tricks in the piazza before the actual procession begins.

The is the archbishop's palace next the the Duomo; if you look closely you can see him watching the procession from his window.

Chiocciola (snail) flagbearers.

Men from the Selva (woods) contrada; they won the Palio in July this year.

A representative of the Nicchio (seashell) contrada.

Giraffa (you can figure this one out) flag bearers - love this shade of red!

The Onda (wave- although they use a fish as their symbol) contrada. Notice the trident he is holding?

A group of young boys from Tartuca outside the Duomo after the race. Everyone was beginning to gather, waiting for the procession to come back up from the Campo.

There were a lot of smiles, tears, and hugs going around!

This little guy was so excited - he kept waving his flag like crazy!

The procession from the campo as it finally reached the Duomo - you can see the actual Palio in the shot, a banner dedicated to the Virgin Mary.