On the festive day all the churches, cathedrals and temples of the city are decorated with a specially chosen system of illumination. Nice lanterns and lamps can be seen on the houses of local folks as well. The Tower of Pisa being the main symbol of the city gets its luxurious illuminating decoration too. The landmark looks fantastic in the bright lights of the decoration. At nightfall city residents set off to the bank of the river to set special small lights afloat. After the ritual large companies of people proceed to a square at the old Citadel (La Cittadella) where a great fireworks show takes place.
One of the newest and most engaging holidays in Pisa is considered to be the Gioco del Ponte (its name means “games on a bridge”) offering its participants the most exciting sport contests and competitions. According to one of the theories the holiday originated from the Middle Ages epoch when local equestrians organized fights named Mazzascudo, entertaining themselves and mastering their fighting skills in such a way. Modern holiday is opened with a knight parade. A scale march of knights clad in medieval dresses follows the Arno river bank.
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