Game of the Bridge (Il Gioco del Ponte)

Game of the Bridge (Il Gioco del Ponte)

When: Last Sunday of June

Where: Pisa

Background

The Game Of The Bridge is said to date back to February 22nd 1568, when opposing teams from various areas in Pisa battled each other for the symbolic ownership over the Bridge over the Arno river. Unlike today, the battle would usually end in violence and fighting.

The origins over this battle are vague, and there are a number of theories as to who started the event and why. The most common two names are the mythical founder of Pisa, Pelops, who wanted to see a recollection of his native Olympic Games, or Roman Emperor Hadrian, who wanted to see his version of gladiatorial games occur on the shores of Arno.

The Event

Somewhat more genteel than the original violent event, today's Game Of The Bridge, nevertheless, still sees a competitive spirit among the participants. There is a great emphasis on culture and spectacle – for example, before the battle, a parade of representatives from both north (Tramontarna) and south (Mezzogiorno) sides of the Arno river march along the banks of the river. Each parade comprises around 300 people who are clad in 18th century costumes and armour, bearing banners of the competing teams.

Once the two parades have met, the game begins – the aim of the game is to win as many battles as possible. The battle in question is to push a wooden trolley (which weighs more than seven tons) into the opposing team's territory and thus claim ownership of the bridge.

Although the game began on a February day, these days, the annual battle takes place on the last Sunday of June.