It is a traditional festival based on a medieval game and takes place twice a year: this year 2019 on 2 June (regularly on the 4th Sunday of May, but due to elections postponed) and on 14 August.
Its origins date back to the XIV-XV centuries, when Massa Marittima was a Free and Independent City.
It is a crossbow competition among the three Terzieri (or medieval neighborhoods) of Massa Marittima: Cittanuova (literally New Town), Cittavecchia (Old Town) and Borgo. It takes place in Piazza Garibaldi, just in front of the Cathedral.
The festival consists of three different moments: it starts with a parade, with over 150 people concentrating into Piazza Garibaldi showing their medieval costumes; then the flag wavers begin their show and finally the crossbow game begins.
Tickets for the tribune
Presales at the Tourism Office of Massa Marittima (move down the stairs on Piazza Garibaldi on the right hand side of the Archeaological Museum)
Wednesday, 29. – Friday 31. Mai 2019: 10h-13h / 15h-17h
Saturday, 1 June 10h-13h / 15h-18h
Prices are €15 (Balestro in June) and €18 (Balestro in August)
Reduced tickets for children (until 13 years): €11
Tickets to access the event / Piazza Garibaldi
Sales only at the ticketshops in Piazza Garibaldi on the date of the event. The ticketshops will open at around 15:00 (2 June) and around 20:00 (14 August).
With these standing tickets you will be able to access the Piazza Garibaldi and sit on the Cathedral stairway. No reserved places.
Ticketprice €8
free for children until 12 y.o.
DUE TO NATIONAL ELECTIONS, THE 2019 SPRING EDITION WILL BE POSTPONED TO THE FIRST SUNDAY OF JUNE: 2 JUNE.
