Joust of the Bear – Pistoia

22-25 July. Historic Palio and procession for the feast in honor of San Jacopo

From 22 to 25 of July, on the days dedicated to San Jacopo, patron saint of the city, in Pistoia take place the feasts and the Joust of the Bear (Giostra dell’Orso).

The feast begins on July 22nd and 23rd with rehearsals.
On July 24th there is the relics of the saint procession, and fireworks.

On July  25th a historical procession precedes the joust and winds around the city walls. Re-enactors in medieval costume participate accompanied by medieval drums, trumpets and instruments.

In the evening the Joust of the Bear is a modern version of the ancient Palio of the Berbers that dates back to 1200.

The challenge is between the four districts of the city: Porta al Borgo, Porta Carratica, Porta San Marco and Porta Lucchese.
The jockeys, 3 for each district, compete with each other armed with spears, and have to hit a wooden target in the shape of a bear, also called “micco”, which represents the animal symbol of the Municipality of Pistoia.

The winning district is awarded the Palio, the banner, or “rag”,  painted each year by a different artist and which in ancient times was made with fabrics and precious stones.

The Joust of the Bear is one of the most important and famous events in Pistoia and one of the oldest reenactments in Italy.

INFORMATION
Entrance with a fee
See the program>>>
And the facebook page>>>
For details send a mail>>>

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Photo from the palio