“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 biggest summer festival, and it’s a yearly event in July.

It runs for five days, and everyone comes together to watch artists from all over the world perform on the streets of the charming old medieval town. In addition, the master craftsmen show off their amazing skills in making one-of-a-kind art pieces. It’s a celebration of peace and joy, bringing people from all over the world together and making them feel like they’re at home having fun with old friends. You definitely don’t want to miss it next year!