In Pisa, June is no small matter, not just another month ready to become summer. This is why the
expression "Pisan June" is used to indicate a whole series of events that take place throughout the
30 days—events that literally light up the city and offer a variety of entertainment options to its
inhabitants and beyond.
The scope of the Pisan June calendar is such that it attracts tourists not only from the rest of Italy
but also from all over the world. The Luminara of Pisa, for example, has consolidated fame, having
competed several times for UNESCO heritage status. In turn, the Gioco del Ponte—with years of
history behind it and the strong passion it creates among locals—has transformed into a
reenactment that involves the entire city and anyone who decides to witness it. To all this is added
the pleasantness of the nocturnal bustle of Pisan nightlife.
In short, deciding to visit Pisa in June is one of the happiest choices you can make. Entertainment,
cultural events seasoned with a pinch of spectacle, and a selection of venues where you can spend
your evenings along the beautiful lungarni (riverbanks) are just some of the options that the city
of the Leaning Tower has to offer. All you have to do is get there!
Pisa Events: The Program Scheduled for Pisan June
Let's start from a premise: Pisan June was born with the idea of celebrating the patron saint of the
city of Pisa, San Ranieri, who is usually celebrated on June 17th. In the past, the program of events
planned for this purpose was much less substantial than what we know now and centered on the
Luminara on the eve of the day designated for the patron saint's feast and the Palio of San Ranieri.
Over the years, the municipal administration decided to expand the offering proposed to its
citizens (and city guests) with the goal of attracting visitors and helping the local economy. And
the goal has been achieved, because Pisan June manages every year to fill the streets of Pisa's
center with tourists and curious onlookers, ready even just to spend an evening in the squares
made cheerful by live music and general chatter.
This is the scenario you'll find yourself in once you arrive in Pisa: an array of venues overlooking
lovely squares or the illuminated expanse of the lungarni, artistic and cultural events, and so much
beauty.
Luminara Pisa: Variety, Colors, and Music
The most important event you'll witness has always been and remains the Luminara (or
Luminaria), which in Pisa has never left anything to chance. For the occasion, the city
center—particularly the part overlooking the Lungarni—turns off its artificial lights and finds in
small candles its only form of illumination. The outlines of windows, doors, and palace facades are
traced with the use of small candles that give the city a fairy-tale appearance. The idea draws
inspiration from an ancient tradition dating back to 1300, when oil lamps were used to light the
city.
You'll find yourself wandering with amazed eyes through a magical Pisa, waiting together with
others for the centerpiece of the celebrations: the fireworks display. As midnight approaches,
fireworks are set off—in the past often accompanied by musical accompaniment—aimed at
creating stunning visual effects for the wonder of those present.
The world is full of things you can do without, but you must see the Luminara of Pisa at least once
in your life. So, take note: on June 16th you need to make sure you're in Pisa.
Gioco del Ponte Pisa: Revelry and Physical Strength
If the tones of the Luminara transport you to a setting bordering between dream and reality, the
Gioco del Ponte will make you cheer and fascinate you as only historical reenactments can. In this
case, you'll be given one more reason because let's say the Pisans take the competition quite
seriously. This is no mere game!
Essentially, the 4 main districts of the city challenge each other, identified as Mezzogiorno or
Tramontana depending on whether they are located north or south of the Arno River. The game
itself consists of pushing the cart toward the opposing side until the finish flag at the ends of each
station falls. The location is Ponte di Mezzo.
Despite what you might think, the Gioco del Ponte is deeply felt by citizens, especially in families
whose fighters—never call those who fight for the honor of Mezzogiorno or Tramontana simple
"participants"—have succeeded each other for generations in the teams of one side of the city or
the other.
In practice, whether you want to or not, you'll find yourself passionately rooting for one of the
teams before you know it.
The Palio of San Ranieri: Arms and Agility
No, the districts of Pisa never have enough of challenging each other. That's why they find
themselves at the starting line for yet another race, on the day of the Palio of San Ranieri. As a
backdrop, the wide and placid riverbed that watches the entire city dress up for Pisan June.
The Palio of San Ranieri, in particular, consists of a race between 4 frigates, each composed of a
crew of 8 rowers, a helmsman, and a climber. The role of the latter is central. The race is not
considered finished once the arrival platform is reached. There, the climbers from each boat must
climb up a 10-meter-high pole and retrieve the flag placed at the top.
Another example, in essence, of how the city of Pisa remains tied to its traditions and doesn't fail
to bring them back to life for the entertainment of its guests. Do you really want to miss such a
rarity?!
Where to Stay in Pisa for Pisan June?
The answer is one, simple and effective: Hotel Galilei Pisa. When we talk about accommodation
facilities capable of offering every kind of comfort, 4 stars are an assurance that goes beyond the
usual "choose us because we're better than the others." As are a strategic position that allows you
to easily reach both the city center and highway and provincial exits; a parking lot where you can
leave your car safely; and a restaurant service that puts at your disposal the best dishes of Tuscan
tradition.
Among hotels in Pisa, in essence, finding one that has these characteristics and maintains high
quality standards in its business is no small feat, especially in a period like the one we're talking
about. That's why we at Hotel Galilei Pisa thought of doing something more for you who have
been fascinated by the Pisan June program but risk not finding a place to sleep in Pisa. What?
Giving you access to a promotion that makes your stay in the city sweeter.
Enter the discount code "Giugno" below and begin a worry-free vacation. Your room is secure with
us!
The organization of city activities may be subject to changes at the discretion of the municipal
administration. Check the Municipality of Pisa website.
DISCOUNT CODE: giugno
Conditions: Minimum 2-night stay
To book: link Book now