The story of Mercantia
The festival was born in 1988 from an idea by Alessandro Gigli, who is still the artistic director. The first edition was named “Teatralfestamercatomedievale” and included just a handful of street artist groups. Gradually, the number of participants increased, doubled, and tripled, enhancing the quality of both the offerings and the audience.
The tenth edition marked an important turning point, as it was aimed at structuring a true theatrical project.
Today, the event hosts hundreds of artists from all over Italy and abroad, attracting thousands of visitors every year. Mercantia is now a reference point in the international street theatre scene.
“So many stories, so many emotions, so many loves. Quoting Italo Calvino, Mercantia is like ‘The Castle of Crossed Destinies’, a joyful hypothesis that binds us and connects many things together: theatre, craftsmanship, the village, commerce, tourism, the castle, its museums, and many, many people”.
The “Chiodo d’Oro” Award
Each year, during Mercantia, the Golden Nail Award is presented in memory of Giancarlo Masini, known to everyone as “Beppe Chiodo,” to an artist or a company of great merit with a significant connection to the festival.
The Festival Locations
Mercantia is a unique opportunity to experience and discover the village of Certaldo Alto and be captivated by its locations such as Palazzo Pretorio, the garden of Casa Boccaccio, the squares, and even the most unusual, underground, and overlooked corners.
