Tuscany is home to lots of unique traditions and interesting local festivals that take place throughout the region. These are wonderful, colourful events, that combine history, tradition, elaborate costumes, delicious food, live music, performances, parades, and much more. One particularly fascinating festival that takes place each summer is the Battle of the Bridge in Pisa. Held annually on the last Saturday of June, just after the San Ranieri festival celebrations, the Battle of the Bridge brings the whole city alive in a unique way and is a must for those who have found a vacation rental in Pisa.
Taking place on the Ponte di Mezzo bridge, one of several that cross the Arno in Pisa, the event sees the neighbourhoods of the city divide into two teams – the Mezzogiorno for districts south of the Arno and the Tramontana for those north of the Arno – to try and take over the side of the bridge occupied by the other team. This is done by trying to place an iron cart on their side of the bridge and while it sounds a little silly, it is actually a wonderful traditional event that locals adore and really get involved with.
Taking place on the Ponte di Mezzo bridge, one of several that cross the Arno in Pisa, the event sees the neighbourhoods of the city divide into two teams – the Mezzogiorno for districts south of the Arno and the Tramontana for those north of the Arno – to try and take over the side of the bridge occupied by the other team. This is done by trying to place an iron cart on their side of the bridge and while it sounds a little silly, it is actually a wonderful traditional event that locals adore and really get involved with.
Before the battle, the troops of the two teams march along the four Lungarni, which are the streets along the Arno, in a procession of over 700 people costumed in striking and colourful 16th-century garb. This is quite the sight to behold and a unique spectacle to enjoy in the city.
Dating back over a thousand years, though it has changed over time, the event is a night-long battle with various other interesting events happening in conjunction around the city at the same time. Come and enjoy the costumes, pomp and ceremony, the thrill of the battle, the beauty of the city with a Medieval twist for the event, and the energy and excitement. Surely, a must for anyone in Tuscany for the last weekend of June!
Dating back over a thousand years, though it has changed over time, the event is a night-long battle with various other interesting events happening in conjunction around the city at the same time. Come and enjoy the costumes, pomp and ceremony, the thrill of the battle, the beauty of the city with a Medieval twist for the event, and the energy and excitement. Surely, a must for anyone in Tuscany for the last weekend of June!