Database: Ponte dei pugni

This bridge takes its name from an ancient custom in Venice linked to the division of the city into 2 opposite neighborhoods, the Castellani in red and the Nicolotti in black. Several times a year, after a first public challenge, both factions met on the bridges and fought for hours. The goal was to throw their rivals in the canal below and to be the last ones on the bridge. A large audience not only cheered its champions but also joined the fight. The massive brawl often forced the law to intervene. Fighting was usually based on punching but weapons such as clubs and knives were sometimes used. There were severely wounded and dead. Victories were duly celebrated and defeats were mourned, at least until the next encounter...