“I had a dream, one midsummer night, of those you could never imagine!
A medieval hamlet was my home: the scene of old stories, fierce battles and brave men in tights.
While roaming the streets in search of some magic I got lost in a sea full of lights,
Surrounded by thousands of people and bubbles and kites, in the wonderland of no-logic.

A place where nothing is what it seems: in fact, I believe I was not even there!
Where puppets were tied upside down on their strings and dancers like feathers would fleet in the air.
The strangest of creatures shown up everywhere: the angels, the witches, the mimes.
They came out of lines of unfading poetry, like frightening beasts from prehistoric times.”

“No dear, I’m afraid it was not an illusion, nor was it a dream, at all.
So stunning and surreal may seem to the strangers, but it’s been this way every year,
since I can recall.
It’s the passion of artists with remarkable talent, the brilliant work of hundreds of men,
They gather together in this medieval hamlet, to celebrate Certaldo’s street theater festival.”

Mercantia is Certaldo’s main summer festival, and it happens every year in July.
It lasts for 5 whole days and people gather to see the artists from all over the world performing along the streets of the old medieval town, while the master craftsmen demonstrate their brilliant ability to create unique pieces of art. It’s a celebration of peace and joy, which brings together people from all over the world, and makes them feel like they’re at home having fun with old friends.Make sure you don’t miss the next year’s edition!