The suspended cuccagna on Cesenatico's canal port

Cesenatico is fond of it. That is why on 19 July the canal bridge designed by Leonardo da Vinci will host the Cuccagna dell'Adriatico e della Romagna, a spectacular and free-range traditional game consisting of trying to reach the top of a long pole suspended in the water. The corollary of slips, tumbles, splashing water and stadium cheering is as expected and predictable as it gets. Seven teams take part and whoever gets to the top without falling can share in the spoils. But it won't be easy: the cuccagna pole, in fact, is sprinkled with grease, is 14 metres high and tilted over the canal. One wins a laurel wreath, cheese, cold cuts and other delicacies.