PisaSomewhat more genteel than the original violent event, today's Game Of The Bridge, nevertheless, still sees a competitive spirit among the participants. There is a great emphasis on culture and spectacle – for example, before the battle, a parade of representatives from both north (Tramontarna) and south (Mezzogiorno) sides of the Arno river march along the banks of the river. Each parade comprises around 300 people who are clad in 18th century costumes and armour, bearing banners of the competing teams.