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Pisa's big traditional event is the Gioco del Ponte or bridge games, held on the last Sunday in June every year. Twelve teams from each half, the north and south banks, of the city confront each other on the Ponte di Mezzo staging a series of battles and push a seven-tonne carriage over the bridge. The event, first took place in 1568, is held in medieval costume with much aplomb. June also features the Luminaria di San Ranieri, when all the buildings along the waterfront and the Leaning Tower are illuminated. This is followed the next day with the Regata di San Ranieri, when four rowing teams race along the river fully dressed in traditional costume. The four great maritime republics of Italy (Amalfi, Pisa, Genoa and Venice) take turns to host the Regata delle Antiche Repubbliche Marinare, hosted by the city of Pisa every four years. Four eight-man crews from each of the cities race against each other on the Arno, in between festivities and parades. Most Italian cities host local music presentations during the summer months in the squares and piazzas that dot the landscape. If you are on the look out for live music you can find concerts at the Teatro Comunale Verdi in Via Palestro 40, and if you are in the mood of a rock concert or some contemporary spectales check out the former church at the end of Via San Zeno. |