Madonna’s 67th Birthday Bash: The Ancient Horse Race and Mysterious Labubu Cake You Didn’t See Coming

So, picture this: Madonna, queen of reinvention and birthday celebrations that could outshine fireworks on the Fourth of July, decides to forgo the usual spa day or fancy dinner for her 67th lap around the sun. Instead, she jets off to Italy to witness a bareback horse race that’s been turning heads and stirring passions since 1482. Now, I have to ask—who needs a party when you can have centuries of history, adrenaline, and pageantry packed into one epic event? The Palio di Siena isn’t just a race; it’s a full-throttle, heart-pounding spectacle where districts battle for glory on horseback, and the streets erupt in a festival of fierce pride. And yep, Madonna’s birthday aligning with the August 16th race made this dream trip a reality, complete with jaw-dropping outfits and, oh yeah, a cake shaped like a Labubu—because why not? Trust me, this isn’t your typical birthday bash—and if there’s anyone who can turn a horse race into a showstopper, it’s the Material Girl herself. LEARN MORE

Forget a dinner out or a spa day—for her 67th birthday, Madonna casually flew to Italy to check out a centuries-old horserace.

Called the Palio di Siena, the event takes place twice a year, on July 2 and August 16, in Siena, Italy, where a group of ten riders race bareback, with each horse representing a district within Siena (and the winning district gets to celebrate with a series of ongoing parties).

As it happens, Madonna’s birthday falls on the second of those two dates, which the Queen of Pop pointed out in a new Instagram post commemorating her latest trip around the sun.

“My Dream for many years has been to watch the Palio horse race in Sienna that takes place on my birthday, August 16, since 1482!!” Madonna wrote. “There are no words to describe the excitement, the suspense, and the pageantry!! A truly sacred ritual to witness thousands of people hushed to a silence before the race begins! The race itself is impossible to describe. Grazie Mille! 🇮🇹🐎🐎🐎. Dreams do come true! Happy Birthday to me!!! ♥️ Ciao Italia!”

Based on her post, it seems the “Like a Virgin” singer stayed busy during her trip. She shared a compilation video that documented not only the race, but other moments, like dances on the street, drives through wine country, fireworks, fancy meals, and more.

Of course, a packed itinerary meant a few outfit changes, and Madonna was seen dressed to the nines, in everything from a white slip and pink velvet shawl to a corseted bodysuit with a silky trench on top. At one point, she even dazzled in a black-and-gold embroidered gown that looked straight out of The Great Gatsby.

The best part, though, might have been Madonna’s cake, which embraced the ongoing Labubu craze. In fact, the pop singer’s cake was shaped just like a Labubu, with a phrase underneath that read: “Happy Birthday Madudu.” (I hope she trademarked that.)

It’ll be hard to top this celebration next year, but if anyone can do it, it’s Madonna.