Where to buy a Palio contrada flag?
I have searched and oddly I can not find any online source for buying a flag of the Siena contrada, Onda ( Wave ). Surely with the Palio being big business somebody must offer contrada flags, etc. online? Any ideas?
Gerard
Everett, WA 11/25/12
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Gerard,
Finding a specific Contrada flag outside of Siena could be very challenging! Your best bet might be to send an E-mail to THIS Company, as they appear to be fairly large and based in Italy.
Good luck!
The best of luck to you - I tried for a year to find a "Pace" rainbow flag online, finally bought one in Siracusa. You might try emailing or calling the TI office in Siena (one of the most helpful I've ever found) for an online source if Ken's tip doesn't do it.
Flagsonline in Italy could not help, alas. They did steer me elsewhere,we'll see what happens.
I think the Consorzio for the tutela del Palio forbids the sale for commercial purposes of the real thing to non contradaioli. You'd need to find an unofficial knock off or a contradaiolo who sells it online. Did you try E-bay?
Yes, I have tried eBay, no joy.
Gerard,
You may have to make a trip to Siena during the Palio (or make arrangements with someone else who will be there).
The Flags MAY be sold there, as THIS Photo seems to indicate. I believe that's an Onda flag at the back left?
Good luck!
Gerard, you can buy the souvenir contrada flag in Siena at any time during the year, not just during Palio, although it would be nice to see it.
Gerard, maybe someone who lives in your area who is going to Siena would be willing to pick one up for you. You can get them any time of year. They can be purchased in souvenir shops. (I think I paid 6 euro each for mine back in 2003.)
I bought several smaller ones in Siena last month for 6 euro. I think the larger ones were 8.