In stark contrast to the stiff upper lip of the British and the laid-back style of the French, the stereotypical Italian character is known (and loved) for a passionate and fiery temperament. Think Romeo and Juliet, Julius Ceasar, Don Giovanni, erm… Maximus from Gladiator… This hot-blooded nature is perhaps best manifested in the Gioco del Ponte in Pisa, or ‘Battle of the Bridge’ where today, at the Ponte di Mezzo, residents from the South and North regions of the river will do battle once again (despite nobody really remembering what they’re fighting about in the first place).
To be fair, this isn’t the brutal contest it once was – now a treasured tradition in Pisa, the two camps will take part in what is now more of an endurance test as they attempt to push a huge wooden chariot onto the opposition’s side of the bridge.
Bravissimo! Get the NavPix here…
