The Bear Joust

Every year in Pistoia on July 25-a day dedicated to St. Jacopo, the city's patron saint-the Bear Joust is held. A gripping Palio in which the city's four districts compete in an exciting horse race along an oval track. The twelve jockeys (three for each district), armed with lances, must hit a wooden target that has the likeness of a bear - known as a "micco" - the heraldic symbol of the City of Pistoia. The winning ward is awarded the banner or "rag" painted each year by a local artist.