In the 1255 statutes of the town of San Gimignano, we find the first officialisation of feasts under the rubric "DE FERIIS PONENDIS". It provides for the recognition and observance of the "FERIAE OF THE HARVEST" in June (FERIE MESSIUM). This feast, celebrated by all the townspeople to propitiate the harvest, was a cause for rejoicing with songs, dances, games and jousts of champions on horseback armed with wooden cudgels.

By commemorating it, the townspeople of San Gimignano, gathered in the four noble historical "Contrade", intend to safeguard and spread their historical and cultural traditions.

At the second hour after the toll of the midday bell (2 p.m. ), the Saturday FERIA will commence. While armed soldiers shall guard the town doors, in roads and squares we shall find master craftsmen intent on manufacturing the traditional local objects, made from wood, iron, stone, gold, baked clay and fabric. We shall see stalls full of sausages, stalls of wine and oil, of home-made cheese, and shall have the possibility of tasting and buying these products at good prices.

The saffron merchant shall be present, too, with this spice the cultivation of wich represented, back in the 13th century, one of the most important sources of richnese. Tumblers, musicians and ballad-singers shall give their shows, magicians and chiromancers shall predict the future. The FERIA shall continue on Sunday morning. The Knights of each one of the four "Contrade", preceded by drummers and heralds, shall meet at 10.30 to receive the salutation and wishes of the Podesta.

The Head Priest shall give the blessing to the Champions who shall challenge each other in the Joust. The "Contrade" shall proceed together towards the Stronghold of Montestaffoli, where a camp shall be pitched.

At the fifth hour after midday, the four "Contrade" shall give life to the historical cortege, parading at the sound of drums and clarions along San Giovanni and San Matteo Road, accompanying their champions to the foot of the,walls of the Stronghold, where the Joust of Cudgels shall take place. There, the Knights chosen by each "Contrada" shall challenge each other to a duel to conquer the much sought- after "GOLDEN SWORD".

The FERIA shall continue among stalls and shows till late in the evening.