San Gimignano is known for its UNESCO-listed towers, but its living medieval heritage is best experienced during the Ferie delle Messi, the town's annual June festival. For one weekend, the historic center transforms into a stage for parades, games, and jousting that recalls the rhythms of a 13th-century harvest celebration. Locals and visitors alike dress in period costume, and the narrow streets fill with the sound of drums and the shouts of competing neighborhoods.
According to Discover Tuscany, the festival happens every June, typically on the third weekend, and it brings the whole historic center into the festivities. Because San Gimignano sits on a hilltop in the Tuscan countryside, the event draws both history enthusiasts and travelers looking for an authentic slice of local culture. You can join the crowds in the piazzas or watch from a café terrace as the procession winds past ancient towers.
What Is the Ferie delle Messi? Origins and the 1255 Harvest Festival
The Ferie delle Messi, or 'Medieval Harvest Festival', dates back to 1255, when the whole population of San Gimignano took part in a fertility festival. The celebration was a way to ensure abundant harvests through singing, dancing, and playing medieval games. Today, the festival honors that ancient tradition while commemorating the town's knights who fought in historic battles such as Montaperti (1260) and Campaldino (1289).
The Knights of St. Fina: Organizers Since 1993
The festival is organized by the 'Knights of St. Fina', an association founded in 1993 to celebrate the cavalier tradition of San Gimignano. The group takes its name from Saint Fina, a local girl born in 1238 whose faith and suffering made her a symbol of devotion. Violets are associated with her, and you can spot them depicted on walls throughout the city, especially in the Duomo.
The Four Contrade: Neighborhood Pride
The city is divided into four contrade, or neighborhoods: San Giovanni, San Matteo, Castello, and Piazza. These rival factions compete in traditional games, continuing a rivalry that dates back centuries. The competition culminates in the Giostra dei Bastioni, but the spirit of the contrade is visible in every event, from the parades to the braid contest.
Friday Evening: Medieval Dances, Drums, and Flag-Throwing
The festival typically opens on Friday evening with performances featuring medieval dances, rhythmic drumming by the Tamburi Chiarine, and flag-throwing exhibitions by the Bandiere of San Gimignano. The narrow streets and piazzas fill with the sounds of the past, and costumed performers set the tone for the weekend. It is a good moment to arrive early and find a spot in the crowd as the spectacle begins.
Saturday: Knights Presented, Games, and the Braid Contest
On Saturday evening, the four contrade introduce the knights and horses that will compete in the Giostra dei Bastioni the following day. The night continues with tug of war, archery, and the contest of the Braid, where ladies from each neighborhood show off their skills. Additional shows and exhibitions keep the atmosphere lively well into the evening.
Sunday: Rite of Purification, Grand Procession, and the Giostra dei Bastioni
Sunday begins with the Rite of Purification in Piazza Duomo, where horses and the public receive a blessing before the day's competitions. An archery contest follows, and then the highlight: the Corteo delle Messi, a grand procession of over 500 costumed participants weaving through the historic streets. The final event is the Giostra dei Bastioni, a horse race in which knights attempt to strike a helmet hanging from a pole, all vying for the Gold Sword.
Practical Information: Timing and Where to Stay
The Ferie delle Messi is scheduled on the third weekend of June, so you can plan a visit that includes the entire historic center. Booking accommodation well in advance is wise because the festival attracts many visitors; options range from hotels within the walls to farm stays in the nearby hills. The Pro Loco San Gimignano, the town's tourist office, is the authoritative source for the official annual program, so check its website for updates as the date approaches.
Plan Your Visit
San Gimignano's medieval festivals offer a vivid connection to its past, and the Ferie delle Messi, held each June, is a highlight for anyone seeking an authentic Tuscan experience. To make the most of your trip, plan well ahead, book your stay early, and verify the exact dates and schedule from the organizers closer to the time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Ferie delle Messi held?
The festival typically takes place on the third weekend of June, running from Friday to Sunday. The exact dates change every year, so it is essential to check the official Pro Loco San Gimignano website for the current edition's schedule before making plans.
What is the Giostra dei Bastioni?
The Giostra dei Bastioni is the festival's main competition: knights from the four contrade race on horseback and try to hit a helmet suspended on a pole. The winner earns the Gold Sword, and the event is a thrilling display of medieval horsemanship.
Who organizes the Ferie delle Messi?
The festival has been organized since 1993 by the Knights of St. Fina, an association dedicated to preserving San Gimignano's knightly traditions. The group takes its name from Saint Fina, the town's patron saint, and works with the local Pro Loco and community volunteers.
What events are part of the festival?
The weekend includes medieval dances, drum performances, flag-throwing, archery contests, a tug of war, and the Corteo delle Messi procession. Sunday also features the Rite of Purification blessing and the Giostra dei Bastioni horse race, making it a full program of historic entertainment.
Is the Ferie delle Messi family-friendly?
Yes, the festival is designed to appeal to all ages, with colorful parades and games that engage children and adults alike. The medieval costumes and lively atmosphere make it an enjoyable outing for families visiting Tuscany in June.
