Jacopean Celebrations – Vestition of Saint James and the Bear Joust

The 2025 edition

In 2025, the Jacopean Celebrations brought Pistoia to life throughout the month of July. On July 24, the eve of the feast, the First Vespers and the Capitular Mass were celebrated in the Cathedral of San Zeno, while a flower festival dedicated to Saint James and the theme of pilgrimage was created in front of the Cathedral. In the evening, a fireworks display honored the patron saint.

On July 25, the day of Saint James, the candle procession started in the morning from Piazza San Francesco, followed by the Solemn Mass presided over by Bishop Fausto Tardelli with the blessing of the Palio. In the evening, after the historical pageant and the blessing of the horses, the Bear Joust saw the four districts—Grifone, Cervo Bianco, Leon d'Oro, and Drago—compete in Piazza del Duomo for the banner.