Gioco del Ponte

Jocko del Ponte is a very interesting and fascinating holiday that carries a historical past. This costume festival, also known as "Bridge Games", takes place every year in the Italian city of Pisa. This event can be observed on the Ponte di Mezzo Bridge on the very last Saturday of the first summer month.

The celebration of Jocko del Ponte dates back to the Middle Ages. An integral part of the festival is a costumed parade of 709 participants on horseback, and there must be exactly this number, no more, no less, a participant with a horse is considered a single character. This grand military parade usually takes place on the Arno embankment, and the battle itself is demonstrated among the Ponte di Mezzo bridge. The meaning of the confrontation between the two teams is to apply as much force and effort as possible by the participants of the two sides in order to move the 70-ton wagon. Rival teams are formed in advance, and their representatives are residents from different areas of the city, usually the north and south. Jocko del Ponte will have a good opportunity to compete with the male sex. This action is supported by crowds of emotional Italian fans.

This competition replaced the medieval game called Mazzascudo. This competition was held among the riders in all their ammunition and equipment (clubs and shields). Such an unsafe rivalry was an excellent training in case you need to fight off a real enemy. The last time Mazzascudo was held at the Jocko del Ponte Festival was in the 19th century, after which it became illegal. Since the 20th century, it has been replaced by a competition between two teams, whose main task is to push a very heavy cart until it shifts and knocks over the winning banner.